Midlands Men Sentenced in Counterfeiting Scheme

Contac Persont: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3000

Columbia, South Carolina ----- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that Steven Leonard Smart, age 32, of Cayce, Joshua Kendrell Smart, age 25, of Fairfax, and Frederick Shante Redfearn, 25, of Columbia, were sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for participating in a Conspiracy to Make, Forge, and Pass Counterfeit Money, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.  Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia sentenced Steven Smart to 38 months imprisonment; Joshua Smart to twenty months imprisonment; and Redfearn to four years of probation. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Redfearn was a salesman for Sears.  Steven and Joshua Smart, who were brothers, purchased flat screen televisions and an Xbox from a Columbia-area Sears using counterfeit money, and then attempted to return the goods at the Sears in Aiken for genuine currency.  Redfearn knew about the fake money but facilitated the sale in exchange for $800 counterfeit money that he could spend himself.  Sears employees in Aiken identified the bogus transactions and contacted law enforcement officers.  Counterfeiting equipment and additional bogus bills were found at an apartment frequented by the Smart brothers.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Winston Holliday of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

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