A Hazleton woman has been charged with passing counterfeit $100 bills at various businesses in Luzerne County.
Cindy Batista, 23, allegedly passed the fake bills between February 5, 2013, and February 12, 2013. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorna N. Graham will prosecute it.
The charges against Batista were filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton. According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines also require the judge to consider a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public, and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational, and medical needs.
Batista is presumed innocent until found guilty in court. Indictments and criminal informations are only allegations, and a sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing counterfeit money from circulating in the community.
The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are working together to ensure that those who engage in such activities are held accountable for their actions.
Related Federal Cases
- New York Man Larry Patterson Accused of Passing Counterfeit Cash · Pennsylvania
- McKay Faces Life in Prison: 79 Counts in Drug, Gun, Money Scheme · Pennsylvania
- NY Men Hit with Counterfeit Cash Charges · Pennsylvania
- Rayvon Kyles Sentenced for Counterfeit Credit Card Scheme · Pennsylvania
- Holliday Faces 25 Years in Counterfeit Cash Scheme · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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