SALEM, OH – Chad M. Collins, 28, of Salem, Ohio, is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed he’s allegedly been circulating counterfeit cash throughout the region. The Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the five-count indictment today, accusing Collins of counterfeiting, forging, and passing U.S. obligations and securities – in plain terms, printing and spending fake money.
According to the indictment, Collins began his alleged scheme on or around January 26, 2014, targeting businesses and individuals in both Columbiana and Mahoning Counties. Investigators believe he successfully passed at least $1,800 in bogus $100 bills, flooding local economies with fraudulent currency. The specific locations and businesses victimized haven’t been publicly released, but authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the operation.
United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach’s office is prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Dirksen leading the charge. If convicted, Collins faces an uncertain fate, with the final sentence determined by the court. Factors that will weigh heavily on the judge’s decision include any prior criminal record, Collins’s level of involvement in the scheme, and the specifics of the violations themselves. However, the prosecution notes that any sentence will adhere to statutory maximums and will likely fall short of those limits.
The investigation wasn’t a solo effort. The U.S. Secret Service took the lead, partnering with the Perry Township Police Department in Salem and the Boardman Police Department to build the case against Collins. Their combined efforts uncovered the alleged scheme and gathered enough evidence to secure the indictment. Law enforcement officials are tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
Grimy Times reminds readers that an indictment is *not* a conviction. Collins is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. He is entitled to a full and fair trial, where the burden of proof rests squarely on the shoulders of the government. His defense team will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present their own case.
The case is a stark reminder that counterfeiting isn’t a victimless crime. It undermines the integrity of the U.S. financial system and can cause significant losses for businesses and individuals. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, bringing you updates as they become available. Stay tuned for further developments as Collins prepares to face the music in federal court.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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