Ralph Melvin Johnson v. United States

VAN OOSTERHOUT, Circuit Judge.

Defendant Johnson was by indictment charged with the crime of falsely making and counterfeiting $10.00 Federal Reserve Notes with intent to defraud in violation of 18 U.S.C.A. § 471, on or about July 20, 1959. Defendant pleaded not guilty, was tried by a jury, and was convicted and sentenced to a prison term of four years. This timely appeal followed.

Defendant admitted counterfeiting the currency, but defended upon the basis that he lacked the specific intent to defraud required by the statute for the reason that he committed the offense under duress and coercion.