Nakeo Tawian Vance, a 41-year-old Greenville, South Carolina resident, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his involvement in a counterfeit scheme and possession of a firearm. Vance pleaded guilty to two counts of Uttering Counterfeit Securities and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 472 and 922(g).
The sentencing, which took place in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina, was handed down by United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks of Charleston. In addition to the 30 months imprisonment, Vance will also serve three years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at the change of plea hearing, Vance was first stopped by law enforcement in May 2015, at which time he was found to be in possession of 98 counterfeit bills. Vance claimed that he had received the money from a drug deal and had already used $600 to pay off drug debts.
A year later, in May 2016, the Greenville Police Department responded to a call concerning suspicious activity at a hotel. Upon arrival, officers observed Vance standing outside a vehicle and witnessed him shove something into a backpack and throw the backpack into the car. A search of Vance’s person revealed a loaded Butler Associate Incorporated, Model Single Shot, .22 short caliber pistol.
Further investigation led to the recovery of more counterfeit bills from Vance, as well as a General Precision Corporation, Model 60, .22 short caliber revolver, which was loaded with five rounds of .22 short ammunition. The firearms and counterfeit bills were found in a backpack that Vance had been holding, along with other drug paraphernalia.
Vance has prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of his arrest. The case was investigated by agents of the ATF and the Greenville Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office.
The sentencing of Nakeo Tawian Vance serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in counterfeit activities and the illegal possession of firearms. The cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies in this case demonstrates the commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety in Greenville, South Carolina.
The investigation and prosecution of this case were led by the United States Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the ATF and the Greenville Police Department. The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in combating complex crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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