Counterfeiting has plagued the nation for centuries, but a Granite City, Illinois, man has now faced the consequences of his actions. Michael Bell, 33, was sentenced to 15 months of incarceration for his role in manufacturing counterfeit United States currency.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bell was part of a conspiracy to create fake bills between November 2017 and April 8, 2018. He was indicted alongside his co-conspirator, Kelly Seeger, 37, of O’Fallon, Illinois.
Seeger, who had a more extensive criminal history, received a harsher sentence of 18 months in prison. Both defendants were ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their term of incarceration.
The investigation into the counterfeiting operation involved the Granite City Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the O’Fallon Police Department, and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranley R. Killian prosecuted the case, which highlighted the serious nature of the crime and its impact on the integrity of U.S. currency.
The court also noted that the defendants’ actions were a symptom of their downward spiral with the use of methamphetamine.
Bell’s sentence was handed down on April 12, 2019, while Seeger received her sentence on April 11, 2019. Their cases serve as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in counterfeit activities.
The case is a significant victory for law enforcement and highlights the importance of protecting the nation’s currency.
Defendant: Michael Bell
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Manufacture United States Currency
City and State: Granite City, Illinois
Date: April 12, 2019 (sentencing)
Sentence: 15 months of incarceration and 3 years of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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