Counterfeiting Ring Busted in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Joshua Chalk, 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pleaded guilty to Manufacturing Counterfeit Currency and Aggravated Identity Theft in federal court on July 17, 2017.
Chalk admitted to manufacturing a $100 bill in March 2017 to purchase pizzas and other items in the Cedar Rapids area. He provided the counterfeit bills to his girlfriend, who ordered the pizzas. Chalk also participated in a bank fraud scheme with Kevin Kappmeyer and Darrell Turner to remove checks drawn on the accounts of various banks from stolen mail, alter the payee names on the checks, and attempt to cash those checks.
Chalk attempted to cash an altered check on December 26, 2016, at a local check cashing company.
The guilty plea reflects the successful teamwork between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement partners who worked together to bring justice to the victims in this case and restore trust in the U.S. mail.
Chalk faces up to 22 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $200 in special assessments, and four years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
He remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.
Chalk’s case file number is 17-CR-17-LRR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for more updates on this case.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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