BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Federal prosecutors announced last week that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport, Conn., has returned an indictment charging Dwayne Ricardo Spencer, 23, of St. Johns Place, Brooklyn, with one count of possessing and passing counterfeited American Express Travelers Cheques.

The indictment that was returned alleges that, on Nov. 2, Spencer passed counterfeited American Express Travelers Cheques at a Target store located in Waterford, Conn. Spencer was arrested on that day by Waterford Police, and subsequently was transferred to the custody of the United States Secret Service.

According to statements made in court during Spencer’s initial presentment on Nov. 4, it is alleged that Spencer made purchases at the Target store using 10 counterfeited $100 American Express Travelers Cheques. During a search of Spencer’s car following his arrest, an additional 71 counterfeited $100 Travelers Cheques were found, along with receipts for other purchases in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, federal prosecutors said.

If convicted of the charge, Spencer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Nora R. Dannehy stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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