PITTSBURGH, PA – Another Ohio man has fallen, admitting guilt in a brazen scheme to flood western Pennsylvania retail stores with fake $100 bills. Joshua Kinney, 29, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in federal court today, according to U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady.
The operation, detailed in court, involved Kinney and accomplices sourcing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes – specifically $100 bills – within Ohio. They then transported the fake currency across state lines, targeting unsuspecting businesses in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Kinney and his crew repeatedly passed the counterfeit bills, pocketing legitimate U.S. currency as change. The scale of the operation suggests a coordinated effort to profit from widespread fraud.
Federal investigators, led by the U.S. Secret Service, were able to connect Kinney to multiple incidents at various retail locations. While the specifics of each attempted pass haven’t been released, authorities confirmed the scheme involved “numerous occasions” of fraudulent activity. The Scott Township, North Fayette, and Bethel Park Police Departments assisted in the investigation, demonstrating a collaborative effort to crack down on the counterfeit ring.
Chief United States District Court Joy Flowers Conti has scheduled Kinney’s sentencing for August 31, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. He’s facing a stiff penalty: a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The final sentence will hinge on the severity of the crime, as determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and Kinney’s criminal history – if any.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is spearheading the prosecution. This isn’t the first arrest in the case, indicating a larger network may be at play. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about potential additional suspects, but the Grimy Times will continue to follow developments as they unfold. The Secret Service’s involvement underscores the federal government’s commitment to combating counterfeit currency and protecting the integrity of the U.S. financial system.
Kinney’s guilty plea serves as a warning: attempting to pass counterfeit bills isn’t a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, undermines public trust in currency, and carries significant legal consequences. The investigation highlights the importance of vigilance among retail staff and the crucial role of law enforcement in dismantling these criminal enterprises. The Department of Justice, Western District of Pennsylvania, released the original announcement.
Related Federal Cases
- William D. Smith, Passing Counterfeit Currency, Erie PA, 2012 · Oregon
- Justin S. Holliday, Counterfeit Cash Manufacturing, Pittsburgh PA, … · Ohio
- Christopher Furman, Embezzled $1.3M from Charity, Pittsburgh PA, 2026 · Kentucky
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pittsburgh PA,… · Ohio
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pittsburgh PA,… · Ohio
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
