CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, age 31, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with being involved in making and possessing counterfeit checks and counterfeit identifications, identity theft, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the complaint, the arrest of ALLEN followed an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service into an organization that was producing counterfeit checks and identification cards, both of which were used at Wal-Mart stores. According to information referenced in the complaint, ALLEN was arrested at his home, where agents recovered firearms, counterfeit checks and identifications, and equipment used to produce the counterfeit checks and identifications.

ALLEN was arrested and made an initial appearance today, at which time, the defendant was ordered detained pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

If convicted of the charges of making and possessing counterfeit checks and being a felon in possession of a firearm, ALLEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10 ) years, a fine of $250,000, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the identity theft charge, ALLEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the complaint is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.

 

 

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