Sioux Falls Man Pleads Not Guilty to Passing Counterfeit United States Currency

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Sioux Falls man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Passing Counterfeit United States Currency.

Christipher Simcon West, age 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 19, 2011, for Passing Counterfeit United States Currency. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on November 7, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charge is merely an accusation, and West is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant US Attorney Kevin Koliner is prosecuting the case.

West was released pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.