Elkins man indicted for manufacturing and using counterfeit money

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Francis Silvester, III, 37, of Elkins, West Virginia, was charged by a grand jury sitting in Clarksburg in a five-count indictment with making and possessing counterfeit money, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.  

The indictment charges that Silvester passed several counterfeit bills between August and November 2016 at various businesses in Elkins, West Virginia.  The indictment also alleges that Silvester had in his possession $2,300 in counterfeit bills.

If convicted, Silvester faces up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine for each violation.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Elkins Police Department are investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.