Counterfeit cash case: Leslie Mcneal, one of Wisconsin's Most Wanted, reaches plea deal

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- He was one of Wisconsin's Most Wanted, and one of three people accused of printing counterfeit cash, bragging about it online and then using it to scam people in the Milwaukee area. On Monday, February 1st, 30-year-old Leslie Mcneal reached a plea deal in the case against him.

Mcneal initially faced nine felony charges in the case -- five counts of forgery-uttering, three counts of forgery and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

In court on February 1st, five counts were dismissed but read into the court record.

One count was dismissed on the prosecutor's motion.

One count may be dismissed pending a DNA analysis.

Mcneal then pleaded guilty to the two remaining charges -- two felony counts of forgery.

A status conference has been scheduled for April 14th.

As for the other two people charged in this case, 33-year-old Toya Dickerson in April pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft-false representation, less than $2,500 as party to a crime. Dickerson was sentenced to serve six months in the House of Correction (which was stayed) and one year probation.

25-year-old Durand Townsend in November pleaded guilty to two felony charges -- two counts of forgery-uttering as party to a crime. Townsend was sentenced to serve nine months in the House of Correction (which was stayed) on each charge, and two years probation on each charge -- for a total sentence of four years probation.

U.S. Marshals said Mcneal and 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 2014, 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.

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 says Mcneal and Townsend posted pictures of themselves holding wads of counterfeit cash on Facebook.