JAMAICA, N.Y. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport seized 1,213 counterfeit $100 dollar bills.
On February 21, 2014, CBP Officers selected Marlon Williams Rodriguez Ezeta for a random baggage examination. Rodriguez Ezeta, 21, was returning from Lima, Peru and presented one checked suitcase for inspection.
During the examination of his checked bag, the officer removed a cardboard diary box. The inside cover was sliced open revealing what appeared to be counterfeit U. S. $100 bills.
In total, $121,300 in counterfeit U. S. currency was concealed in one diary box, two wallets, one fabric box, and two cloth shoe racks. Mr. Rodriguez Ezeta was placed under arrest, and the counterfeit $100 bills were seized. The counterfeit currency and all evidence have been turned over to the Secret Service for further investigation, and Mr. Ezeta will be prosecuted by the U. S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District.
“CBP has a diverse mission, and this counterfeit currency seizure illustrates the vigilance of our CBP officers,” said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
“The men and women of Customs and Border Protection at JFK Airport continue to provide invaluable assistance to the U.S. Secret Service in the battle against counterfeit U.S. currency entering the United States. The JFK Resident Office of the U.S. Secret Service maintains a close professional relationship with CBP and all law enforcement agencies at JFK and LaGuardia Airports as we carry out our investigative and protective missions,” said John McQuade, Resident Agent in Charge, USSS JFK Resident Office.
All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.