Samuel Prieto Gonzales, Counterfeiting U.S. Currency, California 2016

Fresno Man's Counterfeiting Scheme Ends in Prison Sentence

A Fresno man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a counterfeiting scheme.

Samuel Prieto Gonzales, 37, of Fresno, was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for counterfeiting U.S. currency, Acting United States Attorney Phillip Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on May 2, 2016, Gonzales pleaded guilty to one count of counterfeiting United States Obligations for creating counterfeit $10, $50, and $100 bills in March 2014 and attempting to pass those bills in Madera County in March 2014.

Gonzales previously absconded from a drug treatment program while under pretrial supervision in this matter, and he is currently in custody.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Grant B. Rabenn prosecuted the case.

Gonzales' sentencing brings to an end a scheme that involved the creation of counterfeit currency in the form of $10, $50, and $100 bills.

Defendant's Information:

Defendant: Samuel Prieto Gonzales

City and State: Fresno, California

Exact Criminal Charges: Counterfeiting United States Obligations

Exact Date: March 2014 (crime date), May 2, 2016 (sentencing date)

Sentence or Outcome: 2 years in federal prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/fresno-man-sentenced-two-years-prison-counterfeiting-us-currency