ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Marc G. Collett, 36, of Elkins, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 21 months for his part in a brazen counterfeit currency scheme. The operation flooded Harrison County with fake bills in late 2014, and Collett’s conviction marks the latest fallout from the investigation.
Collett pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting,” admitting he conspired with others to systematically exchange the bogus money for genuine U.S. currency, debit cards, and goods. The scheme wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a calculated effort to bleed real money out of legitimate businesses.
According to court documents, Collett and his associates repeatedly targeted businesses, leveraging the counterfeit bills to acquire authentic funds and merchandise. The details of the conspiracy suggest a degree of planning and coordination, indicating this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment crime. The Secret Service, alongside local law enforcement, spent months untangling the network.
The investigation was a joint effort led by the United States Secret Service, with crucial support from the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case, building a solid case against Collett and his co-conspirators – though the status of those other individuals wasn’t immediately clear.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handed down the sentence today, sending a message that counterfeiting will not be tolerated. While 21 months may seem lenient to some, federal sentencing guidelines are complex and consider a range of factors. Collett’s cooperation, or lack thereof, likely played a role in the final decision.
The Secret Service continues to be the primary agency tasked with combating counterfeiting and financial crimes. This case serves as a reminder that even in smaller communities like Elkins, sophisticated criminal operations can take root. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments in the investigation of Collett’s associates.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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