Erie Man Pleads Guilty To Passing Counterfeit Cash
ERIE, Pa. ‑ A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal counterfeiting laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Darion Antwan Mitchell, 20, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mitchell passed counterfeit federal reserve notes to local businesses in Erie.
Judge McLaughlin scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Mitchell on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mitchell.
