LIBERTY DOLLAR CREATOR CONVICTED IN FEDERAL COURT

The leader of a group that marketed a fake currency called Liberty Dollars in the Asheville area and elsewhere has been found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy against the government in a case of "domestic terrorism."

Bernard von NotHaus was convicted Friday at the conclusion of an eight-day trial in U.S. District Court in Statesville. The jury deliberated less than two hours, according to the Department of Justice.

Charges remain pending against William Kevin Innes, an Asheville man who authorities said recruited merchants in Western North Carolina willing to accept the "barter" currency, according to court records. Innes was indicted along with von NotHaus in 2009.

The coins were marked with the dollar sign, the words "dollar," "USA," "Liberty," "Trust in God" (instead of "In God We Trust") and other features associated with legitimate U.S. coins.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service with help from the U.S. Mint.

Von NotHaus, 67, faces up to 25 years in prison during sentencing, which hasn't been scheduled. The government also is seeking the forfeiture of about 16,000 pounds of Liberty Dollar coins and precious metals valued at nearly $7 million.

"Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism," U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said. "While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country."

To read the complete article, see: Liberty Dollar creator convicted in federal court (www.citizen-times.com/article/20110319/NEWS01/110319006/1001
/news/Liberty-Dollar-fake-currency-creator-convicted-federal-court?odyssey=nav%7Chead)

To read the complete press release, see: Defendant Convicted of Minting His Own Currency (charlotte.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/ce031811.htm)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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