A New York City woman has been sentenced to three to six years in prison for her involvement in a counterfeit currency scheme that targeted businesses in the Hudson Valley. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the sentencing of Carol Ntuli, 39, of Manhattan, after she pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree. This incident is particularly concerning as it highlights the impact of counterfeit money on local businesses.
In March, Ntuli executed her fraudulent activities over two separate days, making purchases at various stores in the Town of Wallkill and a shop in the Town of New Windsor using counterfeit $100 bills. After her arrest the following week, police found her wearing the same clothes she had on while passing the fake currency, indicating a lack of remorse or awareness of the severity of her actions. In court, Ntuli admitted she knowingly used fake money with the intention to defraud these businesses .
This case underscores the challenges faced by retail establishments in the region, as they can incur significant losses due to fraudulent schemes like this. Hoovler emphasized that counterfeiting is not a victimless crime, stating, “Incarceration is appropriate for serial recidivists whose criminal behavior is not stopped by increasing punishment.”
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As local businesses navigate the aftermath of this incident, it’s essential for them to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities. In light of this, business owners are encouraged to stay informed and adopt measures to detect counterfeit currency effectively.
For more information on the impact of counterfeit money on local economies, visit Hudson Valley Post.