Johnstown Women Charged With Possessing Counterfeit Checks, Cards

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Two residents of Johnstown, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of possessing counterfeit or unauthorized access devices and possession of device-making equipment, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Terretha Lynn Haga, 43, and Kristina Joanna Barney, 32.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Oct. 22, 2010, Haga and Barney possessed counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, which included approximately 132 counterfeited identification cards, 73 counterfeited checks, 55 unauthorized gift cards, and 18 counterfeited credit cards. In addition to possessing these counterfeit or unauthorized access devises, Haga and Barney also possessed device-making equipment, specifically Check Designer, Print Shop 2.0, check stock paper, and tools to modify checks and credit cards. Their possession of this equipment was designed primarily to produce counterfeit checks and credit cards.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of 500,000, or both, for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.