Man indicted in Southeast Missouri counterfeiting case makes court appearance

A man believed to be one of the five masterminds behind the counterfeiting ring that struck several cities in Southeast Missouri said Wednesday that he has no objections to the federal evidence against him.

Darius Robinson, 22, of Huntsville, Ala., waived his pretrial motions in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Lewis Blanton on Wednesday, indicating that he believes all evidence against him was obtained within his rights.

In its case against Robinson, the prosecution notes that it has the fake bills, surveillance videos of Robinson allegedly trying to pass bills at China Star in Cape Girardeau and Hibbett Sports in Sikeston, Mo., Air Jordan shoes Robinson allegedly purchased with fake bills and an interview Robinson did with an investigator Nov. 4, according to court documents. Robinson pleaded not guilty to two counts of counterfeiting at his November arraignment.

Robinson's lawyer, Scott Tilsen, declined to comment on the case.

Robinson is accused of publishing and using fake $20 bills at Champs and Finish Line, clothing stores at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau.

He is one of five people accused of publishing and attempting to use counterfeit $10, $20 and $50 bills at businesses in Cape Girardeau, Dexter, Mo., Sikeston and Poplar Bluff, Mo. Brynet Trice, 19, Terry Hester, 27, and Jessica Gross, 25, all of Poplar Bluff, and Darius Lankford, 28, of Huntsville also are charged in connection to the phony bill ring.

Trice and Robinson were the first two suspects arrested in connection to the fake bills in October. When he was arrested, Robinson had six fake bills with him, according to Poplar Bluff police. They originally faced state forgery charges before they were remanded to federal custody.

The five suspects were indicted Nov. 17, but federal court documents remained sealed until Friday because at least one suspect was still at large and any public knowledge could have compromised the investigation, according to a motion submitted by federal prosecutor Paul Hahn.

Hahn declined to comment on the case.

Gross is the next suspect due in court. She will appear Wednesday after pleading not guilty last month.

psullivan@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

499 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.