United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, June 9, 2006, that Herbert Lamont Ballard, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Conspiracy to Pass Counterfeit Checks.
Ballard, age 41, who is currently incarcerated in Allegheny County Jail, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway advised the court that between March 2003 and September 2005 Ballard recruited approximately twelve individuals who passed counterfeit checks at various grocery stores, retail establishments, and federally insured financial institutions throughout the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Semptember 20, 2006. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Financial Crimes Task Force of Southwestern Pennsylvania conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ballard. The Financial Crimes Task Force of Southwestern Pennsylvania is comprised of United States Postal Inspectors, Special Agents of the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Investigators from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, and Detectives from Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.
