Ohio Teen Participated in Counterfeit Check Scheme Targeting East Coast Casinos

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kristina Marie Arnold, 19, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, between May, 2014 through October, 2017, Arnold and others negotiated counterfeit checks at Casinos throughout the east coast using false identification documents produced with the names of real persons, including at casinos in Western Pennsylvania such as at Presque Isle and the Rivers.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for December 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation led to the prosecution of Kristina Marie Arnold.