U.S. Marshals: Men printed counterfeit cash, bragged about it online, and used it to scam people

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Police say they printed counterfeit cash, and bragged about it online. Then, police accuse them of using that money to scam people in the Milwaukee area.

"They are confident about doing this," a U.S. Marshal told FOX6 News.

U.S. Marshals say three people charged in this case have been stealing from people across Milwaukee. Investigators say they were producing their own money and using that money to "purchase" items worth hundreds of dollars -- speeding away before the victims realized the money wasn't real.

Marshals say Leslie McNeal and Durand Townsend searched Craigslist for their victims.

"They did this multiple times, at least six or seven," a U.S. Marshal told FOX6 News.

A criminal complaint says in September, they came to the parking lot of the IHOP restaurant on Miller Park Way under the pretense of buying a laptop for $600.

"Once the person handed over the laptop, Mr. McNeal and Mr. Townsend handed over the money and the person said it felt, it felt fake, it felt funny," a U.S. Marshal told FOX6 News.

McNeal and Townsend, along with Toya Dickerson, face multiple counts of forgery.

A criminal complaint says they printed fake money and used it to buy speakers, a watch and computers.

Investigators seized a bag of counterfeit bills from McNeal's home.

"They've been producing this money and ink and even some of the bills are only one sided, and they don't even feel like an actual bill, actual U.S. currency," a U.S. Marshal told FOX6 News.

In one case, the complaint says a victim tried to take his laptop back, and McNeal allegedly drove off -- dragging the man briefly alongside his car.

"They've done it together and separate," a U.S. Marshal told FOX6 News.

A search warrant unsealed this week says McNeal and Townsend posted pictures of themselves holding wads of counterfeit cash on Facebook.

U.S. Marshals say the men have lengthy criminal histories that include battery, armed robbery and drug activity.

If you've seen them, you're asked to contact U.S. Marshals at (414) 297-3707.

UPDATE: U.S. Marshals say Durand Townsend was arrested following a tip from a FOX6 viewer on Tuesday, December 30th.