John Lamont Winn, Counterfeit Currency Scam, California 2018

A Vallejo man has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for passing counterfeit currency, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

John Lamont Winn, 53, of Vallejo, was found guilty by a jury on May 3, 2018, after a four-day trial. Winn and two associates were caught passing approximately $6,600 in counterfeit $100 bills over six transactions in less than an hour at a casino in Lincoln on June 13, 2017.

Just three days later, Winn and another associate attempted to pass approximately $29,200 in counterfeit currency at two banks in Vallejo. The bills were detected as counterfeit by the banks and were later confirmed by the Secret Service.

The Secret Service conducted an investigation into Winn’s activities, which led to his conviction and sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew G. Morris and Quinn Hochhalter prosecuted the case.

Winn was also ordered to pay a total of $16,600 in restitution to the casino and bank. His sentence is a result of the hard work and determination of law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice.

The case serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those who engage in counterfeiting and other financial crimes. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the courts in bringing these cases to a successful conclusion.

Winn’s sentence is a testament to the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting the financial integrity of our communities and holding those responsible for financial crimes accountable for their actions.

U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley presided over the case and imposed the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service.

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