Nashville Man Convicted of Counterfeiting Crimes
Brittan Kettles, 19, of Nashville, Tennessee was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of four counts of making and selling counterfeit U.S. currency, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee and Keith Perrigan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service - Nashville Field Division.
“Our law enforcement partners deserve much credit in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin. “The investigative skill and forensic capabilities of the United States Secret Service played a key role in identifying the defendant and recovering important evidence for the jury to consider.”
Specifically, the jury found Kettles guilty of making approximately $3,620 of counterfeit U.S. currency on August 23, 2011 and then selling that currency to another person. Kettles was also convicted for making and selling approximately $14,800 of counterfeit currency on September 1, 2011.
The investigation into Kettles began when a Nashville store owner reported to the Metro Nashville Police Department that a customer had attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill. Detectives with the Hermitage Precinct and Agents with the Secret Service subsequently identified Kettles as the source of the counterfeit funds. Evidence introduced at trial established that Kettles used an inkjet printer to scan and print $100 and $20 Federal Reserve Notes, which he sold to others.
The jury also heard evidence that Kettles boasted about his counterfeiting activities to friends on social media websites, including Facebook and YouTube. For example, the jury heard evidence that Kettles uploaded a video to YouTube and Facebook that depicted himself throwing thousands of dollars worth of currency onto the ground while bragging about his wealth. When a commentator on Facebook told Kettles that he should stop posting the videos lest he end up on World’s Dumbest Criminals, Kettles agreed, stating that if he made another video, he might “get indicted.”
Kettles faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Kevin H. Sharp.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the Metro Nashville Police Department. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Little and J.D. Thomas.
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