Jackson, Miss. Gonzalo De La Fuente, 23, and Alejandro Boynak, 35, both citizens of Argentina who came to the United States on tourist visas, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 17 months in federal prison for possessing and passing counterfeit currency in Meridian, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams.
On July 17, 2017, De La Fuente and Boynak were arrested by the Meridian Police Department at the Wal-Mart in Meridian, where they attempted to pass counterfeit $100 bills while making small purchases. Upon their arrest, officers found approximately $100,000 in counterfeit and genuine United States currency in their possession. Both defendants pled guilty to federal charges on Oct. 25, 2017.
Both defendants will be subject to deportation after serving their full prison sentences, and they will be subject to three years of supervised release if they return to the United States.
The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
--DOJ Southern District of Mississippi
Source: U.S. Secret Service