Counterfeiting has become a rampant issue in the United States, with perpetrators finding new ways to deceive businesses and individuals. In a recent case, Stuart E. Thurber, 56, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison without parole for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme that affected businesses across the country.
Thurber pleaded guilty to possessing electronic images for the purpose of counterfeiting on September 6, 2016. He was arrested on April 5, 2016, by Mountain View, Mo., police officers for passing counterfeit $100 bills. Upon searching his truck and travel trailer, officers found three laptop computers, two hard drives, and two printers, which Thurber admitted were used to print counterfeit bills.
The scope of Thurber’s operation was vast, with the government establishing that he engaged in counterfeiting from January 2014 to June 2016. Thurber would ‘wash’ the ink off genuine bills and use his computer and color printer to create counterfeit $100 bills, which he then passed to unsuspecting businesses throughout the United States. His victims included Dollar General and Wal-Mart in Mountain View, Southern Supply in Springfield, Mo., and Dollar General in West Plains, Mo.
Thurber’s sentence reflects an upward variance from the recommendation under the federal sentencing guidelines. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to the affected businesses in Missouri, Nevada, and California. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat counterfeiting and bring perpetrators to justice.
The investigation into Thurber’s activities was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Secret Service, the Mountain View, Mo., Police Department, the Ozark, Mo., Police Department, and the West Plains, Mo., Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. Thurber’s attempt to avoid detection by claiming to be a citizen of New Zealand and presenting a counterfeit New Zealand identification card in the name David Turnbull was ultimately unsuccessful.
In a statement, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Tom Larson announced the sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of counterfeiting crimes and the impact they have on businesses and communities. The sentence handed down to Thurber serves as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities, and it demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the public and upholding the law.
As the case against Stuart E. Thurber comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting and financial crimes. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can prevent these types of crimes and ensure a safer, more secure environment for everyone.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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