Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Jason Wayne Lovett (45, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for passing counterfeit currency. Lovett had pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020.
According to court documents, between April and August 2019, Lovett and his co-conspirators passed and attempted to pass $17,000 in counterfeit $100 bills at locations throughout Hillsborough County. Each of the counterfeit $100 bills had the same serial number. Officers with the Seminole Police Department apprehended Lovett after he attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. After Lovett’s arrest, he attempted to obstruct the investigation by trying to destroy his cellphone, which contained evidence related to his crimes.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Seminole Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
