Scott County man pleads guilty to felony 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 on Monday, according to a news release from federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway's office.

With his plea, Washington admitted he met an informant in a parking lot July 3 in Sikeston, Mo., where Washington sold the informant two counterfeit $100 bills, both with the same serial number, 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, and Washington delivered five more $100 bills, all with the same serial number; and, Washington told the informant he was unable to obtain the ink to print the additional $500 of counterfeit currency previously promised.

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

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