LAKewood, OH – A Lakewood native has found himself staring down the barrel of serious fraud charges. Christopher Kelley, 30, is now facing a two-count indictment for his alleged role in the counterfeiting scheme.
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, announced that a grand jury has returned an indictment against Kelley, charging him with one count of passing counterfeit obligations and another count of possessing counterfeit obligations. If convicted, Kelley could face substantial time behind bars.
According to federal prosecutors, the sentence for Kelley’s offense will be determined by the Court after considering all relevant factors, including his prior criminal record, if any, and the nature of the violations. Regardless, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, which, in this case, is severe.
The investigation into Kelley’s alleged activities was spearheaded by the United States Secret Service and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, alongside the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Sweeney will be leading the prosecution against him.
It’s important to note that an indictment is merely a charge, not proof of guilt. Kelley will have his day in court, where he will be afforded a fair trial and the burden will rest on the government to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of financial crimes, and it underscores the efforts of federal and state law enforcement agencies in combating such activities. Kelley’s arraignment is scheduled for a future date.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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