Isaac Barnett Young

WARSAW — A Michigan man received a six-month jail sentence in Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 Tuesday, Jan. 7, after using counterfeit $20 bills at Walmart.

Isaac Barnett Young, 20, Novi, Mich., was charged with corrupt business influence, a level 5 felony; and counterfeiting and theft, both level 6 felonies.

On Sept. 6, 2018, the Warsaw Police Department received a report of counterfeiting that occurred. Approximately $1,100 worth of counterfeit $20 bills were used to make purchases at the Warsaw Walmart. The store’s loss prevention staff told officers that three men were responsible for using counterfeit bills at additional Walmart locations in Rochester, Plymouth, South Bend and Mishawaka. According to court documents, Young was one of the three men involved in the incidents. Titus Tyrerse Mundy, 20, Inkster, Mich.; and Filmel Charles Williams, 19, Detroit, Mich., were also involved in the case.

During his statement to the court, Young said his social support is great but that he made a mistake.

“I was young and dumb,” said Young. “I’m very sorry and I know this is a crime of dishonesty.”

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek questioned whether or not Young was remorseful for his actions.

“They came up with a plan,” said Sobek. “They didn’t talk through osmosis. They talked this out. His prior criminal history should have been a wake-up call.”

Defense Attorney Edward Ruiz argued that Young was remorseful and that he’s changed since the incidents occurred.

“This was a one-day event when this all occurred,” said Ruiz. “Since then, he’s gotten his high school diploma and he has a child on the way.”

Judge David Laur, stepping in for Judge Joe Sutton, gave Young a three-year sentence, with six months of the sentence to be served in the Kosciusko County Jail. Laur said the six months could be served through work release if Young is qualified. The remaining balance of the sentence was suspended on probation, with the possibility to be served through work release or community corrections.

Young must also pay $1,123.48 in restitution to Walmart.

“My hope is that you choose the right path and that you be a responsible dad,” said Laur.

Young currently has a theft and counterfeiting case pending in Cass County. Regarding his Marshall County case, on Jan. 2, Young received an 18-month sentence, with 16 months suspended on formal probation.

Mundy has a status conference set for Feb. 24 regarding this Kosciusko County case. A warrant is currently out for Williams’ arrest due to failing to appear for a status conference.