Funny Money, Real Consequences: Evansville Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Counterfeiting

EVANSVILLE- Dennis Michael Carter, 47, and Kyle Wade Owens, 36, have been sentenced to 20 months and 13 months in federal prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to two counts of producing counterfeit U.S. currency. Both will also serve two years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between January 20 and March 1, 2025, Carter and Owens conspired together to create at least 30 fake $100 bills by removing ink from genuine $10 notes and reprinting them using a template, printer, scanner, and copier. Investigators also found chemicals and cleaning supplies commonly used in this counterfeiting method.

The duo used the counterfeit bills to purchase goods and services, receiving genuine currency as change. A chart detailing the dates and locations of these transactions follows.

“Counterfeiting harms legitimate commerce and erodes confidence in our financial system,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, these counterfeiters were brought to justice, safeguarding businesses and consumers from future financial harm.”

“Safeguarding our nation’s financial infrastructure by pursuing illegal counterfeiters has been a hallmark of the U.S. Secret Service since its inception. This sentencing should serve as a deterrent to other counterfeiters out there who manufacture or use fake currency. We will catch you, and you will be punished,” said Ike Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Indiana for its diligence in securing these appropriate sentences.”

The U.S. Secret Service investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

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