Cape Girardeau man pleads guilty to dealing counterfeit money

Lazingo D. Washington, 20, of Scott County pleaded guilty to two felony counts of dealing in counterfeit money in federal court in Cape Girardeau Monday, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway's office.

With his plea, Washington admitted that on July 3, 2008 he met an informant in the parking lot of 802 West Gladys in Sikeston, where Washington sold the informant two counterfeit $100 bills, both with serial number DG64122812A, according to court records.

Later that same day Washington contacted the informant saying he wanted to deliver an additional $1,000 of counterfeit $100 bills to sell.

Police arranged for the informant to meet Washington again in the parking lot of 802 West Gladys, where Washington delivered five more $100 bills, all with the same serial number DL58934504A; and, Washington explained to the informant that he was unable to obtain the necessary ink to print the additional $500 of counterfeit currency previously promised.

Washington was later arrested after police searched his home and confiscated a computer.

Washington now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been set for Feb. 17 in Cape Girardeau.