Clinton Curry, a 40-year-old resident of San Francisco, California, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for dealing in counterfeit currency. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit and delivered by U.S. Circuit Judge Richard C. Tallman, who also ordered Curry to pay restitution to the businesses he defrauded. After completing his prison term, Curry will undergo three years of supervised release.
Court records reveal that on September 9, 2023, Curry used counterfeit bills to purchase $324 worth of goods at a store in Post Falls, Idaho. Following his departure from the store, employees identified most of the currency as fake and informed law enforcement. An investigation was launched with the Spokane Office of the U.S. Secret Service, uncovering similar fraudulent activities conducted by Curry across several western and southern states including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Texas.
In total, authorities found 46 incidents involving Curry either passing or possessing counterfeit currency amounting to over $40,000.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination to remove those who would attempt to threaten our financial system by using counterfeit currency,” stated U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
Special Agent in Charge Glen Peterson from the U.S. Secret Service Seattle Field Office remarked on the collaborative efforts involved: “The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the collaborative efforts of our partners to investigate the defrauding of a critical element of our financial system."
U.S. Attorney Hurwit expressed gratitude towards the Spokane Office of the U.S. Secret Service and Post Falls Police Department for their joint investigation along with numerous state and local agencies nationwide. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Ellsworth.