Woman Traveled To Pittsburgh To Sell Counterfeit Money Orders And Bank Checks

PITTSBURGH, PA - A New Jersey woman pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraudulently transmitting postal money orders, and making, uttering and passing counterfeit security, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Shawn S. Foote, 46, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Foote traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Atlanta Georgia, to sell counterfeit U.S. Postal Money Orders and counterfeit bank checks to another for the purpose of being fraudulently negotiated.

Judge Bissoon scheduled the sentencing for May 28, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shawn S. Foote.