In a shocking move, a Madison County man has pleaded guilty to attempting to buy a pistol with counterfeit money. Montrez Chebeir Martin, 33, pleaded guilty in federal court to passing counterfeit obligations or securities and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The incident occurred in September 2017 when Martin answered an advertisement on the website armslist.com for a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and 450 rounds of ammunition. Martin agreed to meet the seller in a Decatur business parking lot and attempted to purchase the gun with counterfeit money.
According to Martin’s plea agreement, he gave the seller $400 and as he began counting it, he started walking quickly away. The seller, however, quickly realized the money was counterfeit and pulled a pistol, telling Martin to open the door and place the pistol and ammunition on the ground. Martin complied before driving away.
The seller reported the incident to police and later picked Martin out of a photo lineup. The Secret Service and ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Decatur and Huntsville police departments.
“Felons who desire to buy firearms will be aggressively prosecuted and should concern all of us. Felons who desire to buy firearms with counterfeit bills exacerbate our concerns even more,” said U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town.
Martin’s sentencing is scheduled for October 2 and he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for passing counterfeit obligations and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow is prosecuting the case, which highlights the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in combating financial crimes.
This case also demonstrates the commitment of the ATF to target illegal firearms trafficking and the use of technology to reduce violent firearms-related crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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