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Counterfeit Cash Kingpin Caught in Western New York
ROCHESTER, NY – In a shocking blow to the counterfeit cash trade, Queens man O’Neal Walker, 33, has pleaded guilty to possession of $8,700 in sophisticated counterfeit $100 bills.
The arrest came after New York State Troopers stopped Walker’s vehicle on Interstate 390 in the town of Wayland in Steuben County on September 22, 2013. At the time, Walker was driving 102 mph in a 65 mph zone and had no valid driver’s license. The troopers discovered the counterfeit bills along with a financial ledger book detailing his illegal transactions.
Further investigation by the United States Secret Service revealed that the counterfeit bills were almost indistinguishable from real cash, complete with watermarks, color-shifting ink, and embedded security strips. The Secret Service also uncovered a pattern of transactions at major retailers, including Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and Wal-Mart stores.
Walker’s scheme was not limited to Western New York. He was identified passing counterfeit bills in multiple states, including Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arkansas, and Syracuse. The total loss due to his actions was a staggering $65,300.
This is not the first time Walker has found himself in hot water. He was on pre-trial release for similar conduct in the State of Ohio at the time of his arrest. His original release was revoked after he violated the conditions of his pre-trial release.
Walker remains in federal custody until his sentencing on July 10, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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