Moorestown Man Impersonated Agent, Sold Counterfeit Gold: USAO

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A Moorestown man has admitted that he impersonated a federal agent while selling counterfeit coins and unlawfully importing counterfeit gold coins and bars into the United States, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced on Monday.

Jonathan A. Kirschner, a/k/a “Jonathan Kratcher,” 34, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of falsely impersonating an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and one count of unlawfully bringing counterfeit coins and bars into the United States.

Kirschner admitted that he sold fake gold bars to a coin collector for $11,000 in cash on May 9, 2017, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. He claimed to be an ATF agent in written correspondence with the coin collector. When the two met in person, Kirschner went so far as to wear an ATF badge on a chain around his neck.

Kirschner also admitted that he sold 49 counterfeit Morgan dollar coins to two people in Mt. Laurel on June 4, 2017, according to authorities. He told them, “I have my badge on,” when providing descriptive information so that they would recognize him.

He admitted that he pretended to be an ATF agent to put his victims at ease in purchasing what Kirschner claimed were gold coins and bars. However, he knew the gold coins and bars were fake, according to authorities.

Kirschner admitted unlawfully bringing counterfeit coins and bars into the United States by importing multiple, falsely manifested packages from other countries, including China.

He faces a maximum of three years in prison for impersonating a federal officer and a maximum of 15 years in prison for unlawful importation. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1.

Carpenito credited ATF special agents, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito, Newark Field Division; and special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

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