Federal Grand Jury Indicts Austin Man in Alleged Counterfeiting Scheme

In Austin, a federal grand jury late yesterday afternoon indicted 42-year-old Randolf Ace Corujo for his role in a counterfeiting scheme announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Thomas C. Edwards, Austin Resident Office.

A five-count indictment charges Corujo, of Austin, with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit U.S. Currency.  The indictment also charges Corujo with two counts of passing, uttering and possessing counterfeit U.S. Currency and two counts of making, forging, altering and counterfeiting U.S. Currency.

According to the indictment, Corujo and others conspired earlier this year to create and pass counterfeit U.S. Currency.  Investigative information revealed over 160 passes of counterfeit currency at local businesses and banks from March 2015 through July 2015 with a total aggregate value in excess of over $23,000.00.

Upon conviction of the conspiracy charge, Corujo faces up to five years.  Each remaining charge calls for up to 20 years imprisonment upon conviction.  Corujo has remained in federal custody since his arrest in Austin on July 24, 2015.

In a related case, 31-year-old William Neal and 35-year-old Joshua Neal of Leander, TX, await sentencing after pleading guilty to passing, uttering and possessing counterfeit U.S. Currency.  William Neal is currently on a $10,000 bond.  Joshua Neal has remained in custody since their arrest in April 2015.  Sentencing is scheduled for 9:00am on August 20, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks in Austin.

This investigation was conducted by the Central Texas Financial Crimes Task Force together with the Cedar Park Police Department, Burnet Police Department, Pflugerville Police Department, and the Sunset Valley Police Department.  The Central Texas Financial Crimes Task Force, led by the United States Secret Service, is comprised of investigators with the Austin Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Assistant United States Attorney Mark Marshall is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.