Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Making Counterfeit Currency

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Carlos Ambriz, Jr., age 23, of Sioux Falls, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on March 26, 2012, and pled guilty to Making Counterfeit US Currency. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

On December 9, 2011, Carlos Ambriz, Jr., made counterfeit currency using a computer printer in Sioux Falls. He used the printer to make counterfeit $5 and $20 bills and then passed them at various businesses in Sioux Falls. Some of the bills were used to pay for a hotel room where he intended to print more counterfeit bills. However, a hotel clerk detected the phony money and contacted law enforcement. Ambriz, Jr. was arrested a short time later by Sioux Falls Police.

The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for June 18, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending sentencing.