Maryland Man Sentenced to 32 Months for Orchestrating Counterfeit Currency Scheme

A Maryland resident has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a counterfeit money operation, a scheme he allegedly conducted while already under federal supervision. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Jason Christian Evans, 51, of Dundalk, received a sentence of 32 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction related to the purchase and possession of counterfeit U.S. currency.

The case highlights the use of the dark web for illicit activities, as court documents indicate Evans purchased the counterfeit federal reserve notes through an online marketplace called “Abacus Market” using an HP laptop. Law enforcement officials discovered during a search of Evans’ residence that his laptop contained zip files with instructions on how to artificially age counterfeit currency and a video demonstrating methods to evade counterfeit detection pens. Evans admitted to purchasing and utilizing the fake money in Pennsylvania.

The investigation revealed that Evans’ criminal activity began on January 30, 2025, shortly after he completed a previous sentence for bank fraud. At that time, he violated the terms of his federal supervised release by traveling to Pennsylvania. While in the neighboring state, Evans allegedly used the counterfeit bills to make purchases at a minimum of five separate Giant Food and Weis Market grocery stores. His arrest occurred on April 17, 2026, when federal agents executed a search warrant at his Dundalk home in connection with the scheme. During the search, investigators seized multiple electronic devices, including two cell phones and five computers, as well as counterfeit detection pens.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commended the collaborative efforts of several law enforcement agencies in bringing the case to a close. These included the U.S. Secret Service’s Baltimore Field Office, the Baltimore County Police Department, the York County Regional Police Department, the Springettsbury Police Department, and the Southern Regional Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and John J. Truex Chung.

This sentencing serves as a reminder to the public about the serious consequences of engaging in financial crimes, particularly those involving counterfeit currency. Individuals involved in such schemes can face significant prison time and lengthy supervised release periods. The investigation also underscores the evolving methods criminals employ, such as utilizing dark web marketplaces and digital tools to facilitate their illegal activities.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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