HARRISBURG, PA — Four New York men face felony charges in an alleged counterfeit currency scheme targeting retailers across 16 Pennsylvania counties, including Chester County, that involved more than $20,000 in purchases or attempted purchases and generated at least $12,436 in fraudulent returns, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Fitzroy James, Fabian Coke, Gabriel Young and Christopher Nicholas are charged with organized retail theft, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, conspiracy and related offenses.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the four defendants.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the men allegedly used counterfeit currency to purchase merchandise at Kohl’s, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s and other retail stores before returning the products to obtain genuine cash.
Investigators allege that the group made or attempted more than $20,000 in purchases using counterfeit bills at stores throughout Pennsylvania.
The defendants allegedly obtained at least $12,436 through merchandise returns, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
The alleged activity extended across Allegheny, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Centre, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and York counties.
Authorities also suspect the group of involvement in similar offenses in several other states.
The investigation involved the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, U.S. Secret Service, Pennsylvania State Police and police departments in North Fayette, Silver Spring, West Manchester and Hamden townships.
Loss prevention personnel from the affected retailers also assisted investigators.
Deputy Attorney General Jenna Strausbaugh of the Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit will prosecute the cases.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.