Erie Man Admits Passing Counterfeit Money Orders, Travelers Checks In 3 States
ERIE, Pa. ‑ A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Douglas F. Lisek, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from June 11, 2006 to Aug. 3, 2006, Lisek engaged in a scheme to defraud others by passing counterfeit money orders and travelers checks for the purchase of various items. Lisek passed $8,550 in counterfeit money orders in Pennsylvania, $1,050 in Ohio and $1,900 in New York. An additional $9,800 in counterfeit money orders and travelers checks were found in Lisek's home. Lisek e-mailed images of legitimate money orders to other unknown individuals who manufactured the counterfeit money orders which Lisek then used in the scheme to defraud.
Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Nov. 23, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lisek.
