PHOENIX MAN CHARGED WITH COUNTERFEITING $500,000 IN $100 BILLS

PHOENIX – On May 2, 2012, Shane J. Rendon, 31, of Phoenix, was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to counterfeiting. The arrest stemmed from a 4 count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Phoenix on April 10, 2012, which charges Rendon with counterfeiting of U.S. currency, dealing in counterfeit U.S. currency, and 2 counts of possession of digital images of U.S. currency.

The indictment alleges that during the period from Sept. 1, 2008 through Sept. 4, 2009, Rendon counterfeited and dealt, with the intent to defraud, a total of approximately 5,000 one-hundred-dollar Federal Reserve Notes ($500,000). The indictment further alleges that on Jan. 29, 2009 and Sept. 4, 2009, Rendon, with intent to defraud, possessed digital images of one-hundred-dollar Federal Reserve Notes.

Convictions for counterfeiting of U.S. currency and dealing in counterfeit U.S. currency each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for possession of digital images of United States currency carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. Judge Teilborg, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the Chandler Police Department and the Phoenix Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Frederick A. Battista, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.   

CASE NUMBER:                  CR-12-684-PHX-JAT (ECV)
RELEASE NUMBER:           2012-107(Rendon)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az