WICHITA, KAN. – Johnny Hockaday, 57, of Wichita, is facing federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed a scheme to manufacture and distribute counterfeit U.S. currency. The indictment, handed down earlier this week, alleges Hockaday wasn’t just holding onto fake cash – he was actively trying to pass it off as real.
Court documents detail Hockaday’s alleged criminal activity dating back to 2019, claiming he was manufacturing counterfeit federal currency in various denominations. The Secret Service, which has been investigating the case, believes Hockaday wasn’t limiting his operation to simply *having* the fake bills. They say he was putting them into circulation.
The indictment specifically points to a September 2021 incident where Hockaday allegedly attempted to defraud a local business using four counterfeit $100 bills. While the specific business hasn’t been named, the incident triggered the investigation that ultimately led to the indictment. Hockaday is now facing serious federal penalties if convicted.
Hockaday is charged with two counts of possession of counterfeit obligations, one count of possession and uttering of counterfeit obligations, and one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations. “Uttering” in legal terms refers to the act of offering the counterfeit bills as genuine currency. The charges carry potentially significant prison time and hefty fines.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting the case, signaling the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this alleged operation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is emphasizing that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Hockaday is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Secret Service’s continued focus on counterfeit currency rings remains a priority, especially as the sophistication of these operations increases. While the amount of counterfeit money involved in this case hasn’t been publicly disclosed, any attempt to undermine the integrity of U.S. currency is taken seriously by federal law enforcement. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as it moves through the legal process.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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