Illinois Man Receives More Than Five Years for Counterfeiting

 Posted on June 09, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A Bismarck, IL man was recently sentenced to five-and-a-half years in federal prison for manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeited U.S. currency. The man sold counterfeit U.S. money to an Illinois State Police undercover officer for $1,000, then later sold the same officer another $1,000 and $5,000 in counterfeit dollars.

A search warrant was executed for the man’s residence, where printers, a paper cutter, and other supplies used to make counterfeit money were seized. The man was on federal supervised release for a prior counterfeiting conviction from 2022 after serving 27 months in federal prison for that offense.

The maximum statutory penalty for counterfeiting and forgery is up to 20 years in prison, with a maximum fine of $25,000. If you are facing federal counterfeiting charges, it is crucial that you have a Naperville, IL white-collar crimes attorney who is experienced in defending federal crimes. 

What Is Counterfeiting?

Counterfeiting is considered a white-collar crime of deceit involving the sale of goods that have been fraudulently produced. Money and other items (usually high-end or trademarked items) can be counterfeited. A person who counterfeits items attempts to imitate or pass them off as genuine. Under 18 U.S.C. Section 2320, it is unlawful for a person to:

• Traffic in a drug that has been illegally counterfeited.

• Knowingly use a counterfeit mark when trafficking in goods and services.

• Traffic in labels with full knowledge that a counterfeit mark has been applied that will result in deception or confusion.

• Knowingly traffic in counterfeit military goods or services.

Counterfeiting American currency is also charged as forgery when a person falsely makes, forges, alters, or counterfeits currency. The prosecution must prove that the defendant trafficked, attempted to traffic, or conspired to traffic goods, services, or pharmaceutical drugs. 

It must also be shown that the defendant knew the goods, services, or pharmaceutical drugs were counterfeit. Convicting someone of forging U.S. dollars requires proof that the defendant made changes to U.S. currency and had the specific intent to defraud at the time the changes were made.   

What Are the Federal Penalties for Counterfeiting and Forgery?

Counterfeiting and forgery are investigated by the FBI, the DOJ, and, in some cases, the Secret Service and the IRS. Each count of counterfeiting has a maximum federal prison term of 10 years and a maximum fine of $2 million, while each count of forgery has a maximum federal prison term of 20 years and a maximum fine of $25,000. If the counterfeiting results in the death of another person, the maximum prison sentence is life imprisonment. In some cases, restitution will also be required.

What Are the Most Common Defenses to Charges of Counterfeiting?

While your defense will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges, there are several common defenses to counterfeiting, including:

• The defendant was unaware that the item or money was counterfeit.

• The product was not actually forged or counterfeited.

• If a trademark is alleged to be counterfeited, the defendant can show he or she was legally allowed to use the trademark.

• There was no intent to defraud.

• There was no valid search warrant.

• The defendant’s civil rights were violated during the arrest.

Contact a Naperville, IL Federal White-Collar Crimes Attorney

If you are facing federal charges, you must take these charges very seriously, as federal penalties are typically harsher than state penalties. Having an Illinois federal white-collar crimes lawyer with significant experience trying federal cases is extremely important for achieving the best possible outcome. 

Attorney Nathe is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in DuPage County who knows the criminal process from both the defense and prosecution’s perspectives. To schedule your free consultation, call 630-416-7600.