Baltimore Man Indicted in Connection With Counterfeit Money Scheme

Baltimore, Maryland - A Baltimore man is facing federal indictment, today, stemming from a counterfeit currency scheme.

Clifton Monroe, Jr., 49, is charged with four counts of passing or possessing counterfeit obligations or securities, along with one count of possessing counterfeit obligations or securities and one count of counterfeiting and forging obligations or securities of the United States after he manufactured counterfeit money and used it in an attempt to pay for goods. Monroe was previously charged by criminal complaint and made his initial appearance on Oct. 29, 2026.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, United States Secret Service (USSS) - Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, in April 2025, Monroe offered counterfeit money as payment for goods at a Catonsville pizza shop, along with a convenience store. As part of the scheme, Monroe provided counterfeit money as payment at the pizza shop, and received $45 in real U.S. currency in change. Then in January 2026, Monroe attempted a similar scheme at a Glen Burnie retail store in which he expected to receive $36.15 in change. But an employee recognized the counterfeit bills and contacted store police who then apprehended Monroe. In April 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at Monroe's home and discovered evidence of the production of counterfeit currency.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Monroe is facing a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each count of passing or possessing counterfeit obligations or securities, a maximum of 25 years for possession of counterfeit obligations or securities, and a maximum of 20 years for forging obligations or securities of the United States.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USSS, for its work in the investigation, along with the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Baltimore County Police Department, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Higgins who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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