Counterfeit Currency Crackdown: Rankin County Woman Sentenced for Fraudulent Transactions

In a crackdown on counterfeit currency, a Rankin County woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in possessing and passing fake money. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and protect consumers from deceptive practices.

Exposing a Counterfeit Scheme: Rankin County Residents Targeted

Uncovering the Counterfeit Operation

Authorities in Rankin County, Mississippi, identified Mary Glassmire Sessums, 43, and Purvis Dustin Ward as individuals who had been passing counterfeit United States currency in the county. On November 2, 2019, several residents reported that a man and a woman had been making purchases at garage sales using counterfeit currency.

Apprehending the Suspects

Pelahatchie police later stopped the suspects and observed what appeared to be counterfeit United States currency in plain view in the vehicle. Sessums and Ward were arrested for possession of counterfeit currency. Prosecutors said several victims later identified Sessums and Ward as the individuals who fraudulently passed counterfeit United States currency to make purchases.

Executing the Search Warrant

Rankin County deputies obtained a search warrant for Ward's residence and located a trove of evidence related to the counterfeit operation. They discovered counterfeit currency, uncut sheets of counterfeit currency, as well as two computers, three printers, specialty ink and paint, all of which were used to produce the fake money.

Sentencing and Consequences

Mary Sessums pled guilty on March 13, 2024, to possessing and passing counterfeit currency. She was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Jackson to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Purvis Dustin Ward previously pled guilty to one count of making counterfeit currency and one count of possessing and passing counterfeit currency. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Collaborative Investigation

The case was investigated by a team of law enforcement agencies, including the United States Secret Service, the Rankin County Sheriff's Office, the Pelahatchie Police Department, and the Brandon Police Department. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in uncovering and dismantling the counterfeit currency scheme.The sentencing of Mary Sessums and the previous conviction of Purvis Dustin Ward serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in financial fraud. As authorities continue to crack down on such illicit activities, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious transactions or activities to the appropriate authorities.