Five Women Charged In Counterfeit Currency Scheme
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, June 29, 2010, that five Western Pennsylvania women have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy to make and pass counterfeit currency.
The one‑count indictment named Trisha L. Baker, age 34, currently detained in the Indiana County Jail on unrelated charges; Kimberly A. Faber, age 30, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania; Sahaua M. Gervasoni, age 20, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania; Tessa R. Hartless, age 35, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; and Tiphany D. Ohler, age 25, of Ford City, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the indictment, the group conspired to, and did, manufacture and pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit currency at various stores throughout the district during the period of March 2009 through May 2009.
Assistant United States Attorney Luke Dembosky, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
