Elkins man pleads guilty to role in counterfeit money scheme

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Marc G. Collett, 34, of Elkins, pled guilty to fraudulently using counterfeit money to obtain authentic currency and other goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Collett conspired with other individuals to repeatedly exchange counterfeit money in order to obtain authentic United States currency, debit cards, and merchandise in Harrison County, West Virginia in late 2014.

Collett pled guilty to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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