Ringleader of Counterfeiting Conspiracy Pleads Guilty

RICHMOND, Va. – Reginald Jake Farrow, 31, of Richmond, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to make, forge, counterfeit and pass federal reserve notes.

According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, from May 2015, continuing through February 2016, Farrow conspired with 11 other individuals to make and pass counterfeit $50 and $100 Federal Reserve Notes. The counterfeiting operation took place primarily at a residence in Henrico and the defendants would pass the counterfeit bills at local merchants obtaining merchandise and genuine currency as change. 

In addition, during the course of the conspiracy, Farrow sold a total of 16.57 grams of heroin to a Confidential Informant on five times between July 2, 2015 and August 20, 2015.  The heroin dealing will be considered by the judge at sentencing.

Farrow faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on October 14. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Douglas F. Mease, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.  Assistant U.S. Attorney S. David Schiller is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. Case No. 3:16-CR-56.