Man pleads guilty to falsifying U. checks

The government is increasingly confident of its case against two men charged with distributing counterfeit University checks now that a third man charged in the scheme has pleaded guilty, U.S. Attorney Robert Zauzmer said. Richard Walker, of the 8500 block of Marsden Street, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing counterfeit checks in a November 9 hearing before U.S. District Judge Edmund Ludwig. Walker attempted to cash four counterfeit checks with a total value of over $35,000. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In a preliminary hearing in October, David Davis, of the 1300 block of South Lindenwood Street, and Demetrius White, of the 5500 block of Regent Street, pleaded not guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute counterfeit checks and six counts each of distribution of counterfeit checks. They are scheduled to go to trial on December 6 before U.S. District Judge James Kelly. If convicted, Davis and White each face up to 65 years in prison and fines up to $1.75 million. The three men were arrested following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Davis and White were found to have obtained authentic University and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia checks, which they allegedly used as samples to place orders for more checks with a New Jersey printing company. The indictment against Davis and White alleges that they obtained the authentic checks in April 1992. They used these to place orders for 1,000 CHOP checks and 250 University checks with the printer. Davis and White then allegedly conspired with others, including Walker, to cash the counterfeit checks at check cashing agencies and to purchase goods at several stores. The scheme lasted from April 10, 1992 until March 26, 1993, according to the indictment. Davis and White attempted to cash checks totaling over $120,000 and succeeded in getting cash and goods valued at over $35,000, a U.S. Justice Department release said. Zauzmer, who is prosecuting the case, said Walker's guilty plea was expected. "We've always known he was going to plead guilty," Zauzmer said. "Walker's cooperation has been important all along to the case." Walker will be sentenced in a few months, Zauzmer said. He added that Walker's cooperation may be considered in his sentencing, but mandatory sentencing rules will affect how much discretion the judge has. Davis's defense attorney David McGlaughlin has said previously that Davis and White may change their pleas to guilty before the trial date, especially now that Walker has pleaded guilty. McGlaughlin conceded that the government's case against his client is strong. Zauzmer said he could not discuss whether the government had offered White or Davis a plea bargain and what the terms of the deal might be.