East Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Secret Service Investigation into Counterfeit Cash Conspiracy

PITTSBURGH – A resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Bruce M. Charles, Jr. 32, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 16, 2015 and June 12, 2015, Charles conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50, and $20 Federal Reserve Notes throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2018 at 9 a.m.. The law provides for a total sentence of 65 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Foster.