Memphis, TN – In a shocking turn of events, five men have pleaded guilty to passing counterfeit United States currency to individuals selling items on Craigslist.
Deandre Wright, 24, Demetrius James, 20, Keartic Threatt, 20, Tauris White, 20, and Travis Raggs, 19, have been charged with conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit United States currency.
According to the indictment and statements made in open court, the group began manufacturing counterfeit federal reserve notes in early 2014. Once the notes were made, the group targeted individuals selling items on Craigslist, specifically targeting those selling PlayStations, Xboxes, and cell phones.
The group would contact the seller, arrange a meeting location, and exchange the merchandise for the counterfeit currency. However, once the parties met and the exchange was made, the victim would quickly learn that the currency was counterfeit. The group would then display a show of force and quickly flee the location.
The investigation found that approximately 50 victims were defrauded by the group, including several teenagers and adults who lived in Shelby County and surrounding communities. The victims were sold the items for between $200 and $400.
The defendants face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and Special Agent Michael Riddle. The Secret Service is asking victims to contact their office if they were victims of this scheme.
Related Federal Cases
- Szuhsiung Ho, Unlawful Nuclear Material Production, Tennessee 2017 · Washington
- Lamar Cox, False Statement to FDIC, Tennessee 2009 · Tennessee
- Jeffrey Cephus McCoy Jr, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States in the Collection of Income Taxes, Tennessee 2002 · Florida
- Kenneth L Miller, Embezzlement and Tax Evasion, Tennessee 2017 · Tennessee
- George W. Myers, Theft of Public Money, Tennessee 2017 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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