Evidence admitted at trial showed that Spann, 41, Phelix K. Williams, 28, and Anthony E. Johnson, 23, all of Shreveport, conspired to cash counterfeit checks using fraudulent identities at banks and retail establishments throughout Louisiana. During the conspiracy, the co-defendants negotiated more than 100 counterfeit checks resulting in nearly $200,000 in illegally obtained proceeds.
United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the trial that started Monday and ended Thursday. Hicks set Spanns sentencing for May 23, 2019.
Johnson pleaded guilty on Jan. 17, 2019 to one count of conspiracy and two counts of bank fraud. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced May 1, 2019. Williams pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy, 12 counts of bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced May 30, 2019. The defendants face up to 30 years in prison, five years supervised release and a $1 million fine.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Fields and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.
-- Western District of Louisiana
Source: U.S. Secret Service