Muskogee Man Sentenced To 36 Months Probation For Counterfeiting

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ricky Lee Banks Jr., age 40, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for Counterfeiting An Obligation Of The United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 471 and 2. The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

The Indictment alleged that in or about November, 2017, to on or about January 16, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, Ricky Lee Banks Jr., with intent to defraud, counterfeited and falsely made an obligation of the United States, by making and counterfeiting one-hundred-dollar Federal Reserve Note.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The Muskogee Police Department executed a search warrant and as a result found evidence that the defendant had made and possessed equipment to make counterfeit one-hundred dollar bills. This investigation undoubtedly stopped an untold number of counterfeit bills from being passed to unsuspecting merchants. This case should serve as a reminder to individuals and businesses alike to carefully inspect money received in exchange for goods or services before accepting payment. Contact your local law enforcement agency if you suspect you have received counterfeit currency.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.