Cindy Batista, Counterfeit Currency, Pennsylvania 2013

Counterfeit Currency Rings Alarm in Luzerne County

Cindy Batista, a 23-year-old Hazleton woman, has been accused of passing counterfeit $100 bills at various businesses in Luzerne County.

According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Batista allegedly passed the counterfeit bills between February 5, 2013 and February 12, 2013.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorna N. Graham for prosecution.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

For this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years' imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/hazleton-woman-charged-passing-counterfeit-money