Indictment Unsealed Charging Brothers with Conspiracy to Counterfeit United States Currency and Drug Charges

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – An indictment was unsealed today charging DANIEL TIMOTHY JOHNSON, 33, of Bethany, Oklahoma, and BENJAMIN LEE JOHNSON, 31, of Oklahoma City, with conspiracy to counterfeit United States currency and drug charges, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. Daniel Johnson is also charged with additional counterfeiting counts and for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prior convicted felon. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service assisted by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

In Counts 1 and 2, the indictment alleges that from July 1, 2015, through February 19, 2016, the Johnson brothers illegally manufactured marijuana plants and maintained an illegal drug house at 900 N. Rockwell, Oklahoma City. If convicted, they each face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the manufacturing charge and up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the manufacturing charge.

In Count 3, the indictment alleges that the Johnson brothers conspired to use computer software to digitally manipulate images of Unites States Federal Reserve Notes. It is alleged that three types of printing technologies were used, including offset lithography, inkjet, and toner technology, to print the counterfeit notes onto sheets of paper. It is alleged that the paper was chemically treated prior to printing the counterfeit notes to prevent potential image distortion by inhibiting the ink’s ability to be absorbed into the paper. The printed sheets were dried on drying racks after which the defendants would sell cuts and uncut sheets to buyers throughout the United States. The counterfeiting operation is alleged to have taken place in commercial office space leased by Daniel Johnson on May 1, 2014, at the Regency Park Plaza in Oklahoma City. It is alleged that the Johnsons manufactured approximately $149,200 of completed counterfeit currency that was found inside the Regency Park Plaza office on Februay19, 2016. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the Count 3 conspiracy charge.

Count 4 alleges that Daniel Johnson specifically engaged in counterfeiting United States currency. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on this charge.

Count 5 alleges that Daniel Johnson illegally possessed analog, digital and electronic images of United States currency. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on this charge.

In Counts 6 and 7, Daniel Johnson is also charged with being a prior convicted felon illegally in possession of ammunition on February 19, 2016, and a firearm and more ammunition on May 19, 2016. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

Benjamin Johnson was arrested earlier today and appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge this afternoon. Daniel Johnson remains at large and is considered a fugitive. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact the United States Secret Service or the FBI.

The public is reminded the indictment merely contains accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to court filings for further information.

The case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Mark Yancey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown.