Indictment Charges Seven With Counterfeiting Conspiracy
An indictment was unsealed today charging seven people in a conspiracy to possess counterfeit currencty and numerous counts of possessing or passing, and dealing counterfeit currency, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Charged are: Carter Eric Jackson, 25, of Philadelphia, Matthew Zayzay, Jr., 19, Jeremiah Johnson, 21, Diamond Gibson Keykpo, 21, Fidel Grimes, 22, Winston Irving, 22, and Montgomery Tamba Saah, Jr., 22, all of Darby, PA.
The indictment alleges, among other things, that the group manufactured $50 bills by bleaching and drying real $5 bills, and then printing over the paper with the design of higher-denomination bills and passing them at area stores. The group would then visit area retail stores, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and in New Jersey, buy merchandise with counterfeit bills, obtain change in real United States currency, and/or return merchandise previously bought with counterfeit currency to obtain more genuine United States currency. Defendant Jackson is additionally charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, that is, a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber Special handgun with serial number J385282.
If convicted of all charges, Jackson faces a possible advisory sentencing guideline range of 46 to 57 months in prison, a fine of up to $2 million fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and a $800 special assessment; the remaining defendants face a possible advisory sentencing guideline range of 18 to 24 months, fines of up to $250,000, up to 3 years supervised release, and special assessments.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Montgomery Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander T.H. Nguyen.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
