May 25, 2016 - 8:38 AM
PITTSBURGH - An American deported from Uganda and charged in a massive counterfeiting scheme in that African nation is a "real and major flight risk" and will remain in jail until he stands trial.
That's the ruling by a federal judge in Pittsburgh rejected a request that 28-year-old Ryan Gustafson be released on bond.
Gustafson has been charged with printing at least $1.4 million in fake U.S. currency in Uganda through Community-X, an encrypted Internet site Gustafson allegedly created that enabled users to remain anonymous.
Gustafson was indicted in western Pennsylvania because roughly $400,000 in bogus bills were sold and shipped to the U.S. where they were passed, including some in the Pittsburgh area.
Gustafson's attorney didn't immediately return messages seeking comment and asking whether he'll appeal.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016