Jacob R. Kirkley, a resident of Bismarck, Illinois, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his second federal counterfeiting conviction and an additional 18 months for violating his federal supervised release. The sentence was handed down on May 2, 2025, following a trial last December where Kirkley was found guilty of manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeit U.S. currency.
Kirkley's offenses included selling counterfeit currency to an undercover officer from the Illinois State Police on multiple occasions in late 2023 and early 2024. A subsequent search of his residence by the U.S. Secret Service and Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group uncovered more counterfeit money and equipment used in its production.
Previously convicted in 2022 for similar offenses, Kirkley had been serving a three-year term of federal supervised release when he committed these new crimes. He had been released from federal prison just six months prior to these incidents.
At sentencing, evidence showed that Kirkley violated his supervised release not only by reoffending but also through methamphetamine use on eight occasions. In conversations recorded with the undercover officer, Kirkley admitted awareness of the risks involved due to his past record.
U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce imposed a sentence above the advisory guidelines' range after finding that Kirkley had not accepted responsibility for his actions and considering the nature of committing the offense while on supervised release.
The maximum statutory penalties for each count against Kirkley include up to twenty years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore emphasized the impact of counterfeiting on financial stability: “Counterfeiting offenses undermine the integrity and stability of our financial system." Michael Kurzeja from the U.S. Secret Service highlighted their efforts against such crimes: “The Secret Service goes to extraordinary lengths to detect...those who manufacture...counterfeit currency.” Brendan F. Kelly from Illinois State Police reiterated their commitment: “ISP will continue...to help protect...our U.S. currency.”
The investigation involved collaboration between several agencies including the Springfield Division of the United States Secret Service, Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and Illinois State Police with Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Eugene L. Miller representing at trial.
