Brian Keith Kiser, 38, and Alan Curtis Jarrell, 37, both of Columbus, were arrested this week after members of the Secret Service Southern District of Ohio Electronic and Financial Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at their residence. Approximately $3,400.00 in counterfeit currency, in various denominations, as well as, electronic media, paper, ink and other items used in the production of counterfeit U.S. currency, were seized during the search of the home.
Both men were arrested on charges of intent to defraud by falsely making or forging obligations of the United States; intent to defraud, pass, publish or sell counterfeit U.S. currency; and selling, buying or transferring counterfeit U.S. currency.
This investigation and the continued great work of this task force is a perfect example of what can be achieved when federal, state and local law enforcement agencies combine resources to investigate financial crimes such as wire fraud, credit card fraud and counterfeiting, said Allen Biladeau, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Columbus Office. The Secret Service remains committed to safeguarding our nations financial infrastructure against all threats.
Recently, the Secret Service noticed an increase in the amount of counterfeit currency being passed in the Central Ohio area. Investigators developed significant information regarding the alleged counterfeiting activity of this organized group led by Jarrell and Kiser. The group allegedly began by passing counterfeit currency at local fast food restaurants in Central Ohio. After a period of time they branched out and began passing counterfeit currency at larger box stores and expanded to other cities in Ohio and Indiana.
According to court documents, this group spent time learning how to manufacture counterfeit currency to make it look realistic. They went to great lengths to develop techniques which replicated security features of U.S. currency, including the look and feel of genuine currency. Charges were also filed against additional members of this group, who are expected to be arrested soon.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Prichard with the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio, in Columbus.
-- United States Secret Service
Source: U.S. Secret Service