Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE -- A 29-year-old man pleaded guilty in federal court today to making counterfeit $20 bills -- thousands of dollars in fake twenties -- and passing bogus bills at Providence Place mall, to his landlord and at drug and convenience stores.

Jesus Nater, who has past drug distribution convictions and is serving a state sentence at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston for passing counterfeit bills, admitted to agents he had made about $100,000 in counterfeit $20 bills, according to a news release today from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office.

Nater entered the guilty plea before Judge Mary M. Lisi in U.S. District Court, Providence.

Prosecutor Andrew J. Reich said at the plea hearing the government could show that, between July 2007 and January 2008, Nater passed counterfeit bills at least five times.

In a hotel room Nater used, agents found sheets of uncut counterfeit bills and a copying machine that he'd used to make the bills, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Judge Lisi scheduled an April 10 sentencing hearing.

The maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The Secret Service, Providence and Johnston police investigated.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

 Tags  counterfeit crime guilty U.S. District Court

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