United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

CITIZEN OF PERU ADMITS PASSING COUNTERFEIT U.S. CURRENCY

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARTURO RAMIREZ, also known as “Arturo Mendez,” “Arturo Alexander” and “Arturo Yauri,” 26, a citizen of Peru last residing in Linden, New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday, July 20, before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of passing and uttering obligations of the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 20 and September 24, 2009, RAMIREZ and others traveled from New Jersey and passed approximately 132 counterfeit $100 bills at approximately 126 retail stores in Connecticut.

On September 24, 2009, RAMIREZ was arrested by Enfield Police after passing a counterfeit $100 bill at a restaurant in Enfield.  A subsequent search of hotel rooms and a rented vehicle used by RAMIREZ and his associates, and RAMIREZ’s New Jersey residence, revealed a large quantity of retail merchandise, receipts and other evidence related to the scheme.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for October 8, 2010, at which time RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Enfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul McConnell and Susan Wines.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov