Atlanta Unfiltered

This just in from the U.S. Attorney’s office:

FORMER DEKALB COUNTY DETECTIVE AND SPOUSE

INDICTED FOR PASSING COUNTERFEIT MONEY

 

ATLANTA, GA – LAWANA CLINTON, 39, of Decatur, Georgia, and JASON CLINTON, 37, of Decatur, Georgia, have been indicted by a federal grand jury and were arraigned late yesterday before a United States Magistrate Judge, who granted LAWANA CLINTON a $10,000 bond and JASON CLINTON a $25,000 bond. Both defendants are charged with passing counterfeit U.S. currency.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Passing counterfeit currency is a serious offense which cheats local businesses and disrupts the economy.  The counterfeiting crime charged in this case is especially troubling because it involves an officer sworn to uphold the law.”

Reginald Moore, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service Atlanta Field Office, said, “Because investigating counterfeit United States currency has been a core federal violation for the United States Secret Service for nearly 150 years, protecting the integrity as well as maintaining the public’s trust in our nation’s currency is a priority. This case demonstrates the negative impact of counterfeit currency on our local economy, and we will continue to pursue those who manufacture and pass counterfeit currency.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment and other information presented in court: In November 2008, LAWANA CLINTON passed counterfeit $100 and $50 bills at the Macy’s department store at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Georgia, and did so with the assistance of her husband, JASON CLINTON.  At the time, LAWANA CLINTON was serving as a police officer with the DeKalb Police Department.  LAWANA CLINTON was initially arrested by the DeKalb County Police Department on charges of forgery and violation of oath of office.

The indictment charges the CLINTONs with one count of knowingly transferring counterfeit United States currency.  The charges carry a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the United States Secret Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Pearce is prosecuting the case.