New York Man Charged With Purchasing Atv In Enosburg With Counterfeit Money

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated today that Francis Hamblin, 30, of Fort Ann, New York, entered a not guilty plea to a one-count indictment charging that he used counterfeit currency to purchase an ATV in Enosburg, Vermont. Hamblin was ordered detained, without bail, pending trial by Magistrate-Judge John Conroy.

According to court records, the government alleges that, on October 19, 2013, Hamblin, in response to an advertisement on Craig’s List, purchased a Yamaha ATV vehicle from a man in Enosburg with $3,500 in counterfeit U.S. currency. The seller of the ATV later became suspicious of the currency and contacted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office who confirmed the currency was counterfeit. Investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office then led to Hamblin’s arrest.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Hamblin faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of twenty years.

This case was investigated jointly by the United States Secret Service and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella.  The defendant is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Burlington.