LEE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR PASSING COUNTERFEIT FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES

The following information was released by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida:

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced James Randall Lacy (60, Fort Myers) to three years and one month in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Lacy pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025.

According to court documents, on February 19, 2025, Lacy passed a counterfeit $50 Federal Reserve note to a cashier at a store in Sarasota County. He was captured by store surveillance footage at the check-out counter during the transaction.

On March 14, 2025, Lacy passed a counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve note to a cashier at a supermarket in Fort Myers. Lacy was again captured by store surveillance footage during the transaction.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.