Philadelphia Man Charged With Passing Counterfeit Currency

Abel Helb, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Information with one count of conspiring to possess and pass counterfeit currency and three counts of passing counterfeit currency announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. According to the Information, Helb conspired with others to pass counterfeit one hundred dollar bills to purchase prepaid debit cards and other merchandise from pharmacy drug stores and dollar stores. Helb and his co-conspirators used counterfeit currency at stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Tennessee to commit the fraud. 

The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of five years’ imprisonment if convicted of conspiracy and 20 years’ imprisonment for each count charging him with passing counterfeit currency. He also faces a maximum fine of $1,000,000, a $400 assessment, and three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiwana Wright.                                                                     

An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.