'Homeless' man charged with counterfeiting

ANGOLA, Ind. (WANE) - A man who said he was homeless was scheduled for his initial hearing in federal court Thursday.  He's facing charges for making and using fake money and credit cards.

According to court documents, it all began October 31, when a woman tried to use fake $10 bills to purchase a prepaid gift card at the Angola Walmart.

When police were called to the scene, the officer remembered a tip about a counterfeiter staying at an Angola apartment.  The officer eventually went to that apartment and found the same vehicle the woman was seen getting in at Walmart.

After getting a search warrant, officers went inside the apartment and said they found Scot Silvers printing money.  The woman told police she picked Silvers up from the Hilton Hotel in Fort Wayne.

According to court documents, officers seized lots of counterfeit money, debit, and credit cards.  They took printers and an embosser, which is a device used to put raised numbers on credit cards.  They also found birth certificates and drivers licenses for several different names and states.

In an interview with police, Silvers is said to have admitted to making money and dozens of credit cards.

U.S. Secret Service got involved in the investigation in November.  Federal officials said Silvers has used many different identifications and addresses throughout the U.S.

When asked about it, Silvers said he's homeless and had given out about $100 in $10 bills to help people.

Silvers was scheduled to have his initial hearing in federal court Thursday afternoon.  He's facing charges for counterfeiting and having counterfeiting equipment.  Officials said his efforts affected commerce between several states.