BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Kenishia Simone Brown, 33, of Toronto, Canada, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit money before U.S. District Judge Rcihard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who is handling the case, on Jan. 13, 2016, the defendant was a passenger in a vehicle entering the United States at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry. After being referred to secondary inspection, Brown was questioned about her reasons for coming to the United States and was asked to take her jacket off and empty her pockets. At that time, a bundle of cash was discovered. Brown was then taken to a secure where it was determined that 58 $50 bills were counterfeit bills.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Acting Director of Field Operations Rose Hilmey and the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Braun.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
