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Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeit Currency Scheme
PITTSBURGH, PA – A brazen scheme to distribute Ugandan-manufactured counterfeit currency has landed a Tennessee resident behind bars. Cole M. Harris, aka Ink, 23, of Knoxville, TN pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy and transferring counterfeit currency.
According to court documents, Harris was a reshipper in the United States for the distribution of the counterfeit currency. He traveled to Uganda, where he smuggled the fake bills into the country and brought them back to the US. The counterfeit currency was being sold online by an individual using the moniker Willy Clock.
Harris’s guilty plea comes after a lengthy investigation by the United States Secret Service, assisted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Chief United States District Judge Mark Hornak accepted Harris’s plea and scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Harris’s actions have put him in a precarious position, facing serious consequences for his involvement in the counterfeit currency scheme. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what the full extent of Harris’s involvement was and how he became entangled in the scheme.
The guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement, who have worked tirelessly to bring Harris to justice. As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the court ultimately decides to sentence Harris for his crimes.
In the meantime, Harris remains behind bars, awaiting his sentencing date. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in counterfeit currency schemes and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat such crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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