Fort Myers, Florida U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Dennis Michael Aigotti (54, Bradenton) to 36 months in federal prison for possessing and passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The court also ordered Aigotti to forfeit a laptop and color printer, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Aigotti had pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2021.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2021, Aigotti, attempted to pass a $10 counterfeit Federal Reserve note at Hudsons Grocery Store located in Boca Grande. After the cashier indicated that the bill was counterfeit, Aigotti left the store in his vehicle and authorities were called. Law enforcement located Aigotti and a search of the vehicle revealed multiple counterfeit notes, a printer, laptop, resume paper, and scissors. During the investigation, the United States Secret Service recovered a total of $410 in counterfeit currency. At the time of the offense, Aigotti was on federal supervised release for passing and counterfeiting Federal Reserve notes; he was sentenced to credit for time served for the supervised release violation.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriffs Office and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Laurie.
Source: U.S. Secret Service