A Kalispell counterfeiting case marks the first time a Montana resident has been prosecuted under the new federal aggravated identity-theft law.

Troy McCready, 26, of Benson, Ariz., was sentenced this week for attempted bank fraud, possession of document-making implements, and possession of images for counterfeiting.

For those charges, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy sentenced him to four months in prison.

For aggravated identity theft, McCready also will serve the mandatory minimum sentence of two years.

He pleaded guilty to the charges after he was arrested by Kalispell police at a motel on Feb. 2.

Police found a check from an Arizona mans bank account.

McCready reproduced the check and forged a counterfeit check to buy jewelry at Jensens Jewelry.

He also manufactured a fake Arizona drivers license with the victims name and McCreadys photo that he used to identify himself as the victim.

McCready bought a diamond bracelet, a ring, and a watch with the forged check.

Police found computer hardware, software, and data files he used to produce false identification documents. He also had images of U.S. currency in $100 and $50 denominations.

When he was arrested, McCready had two counterfeit $50 bills.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Lahr prosecuted McCready. The U.S. Secret Service investigated.

A federal law passed last year requires a prison term of at least two years for anyone who steals someone elses identity to commit another federal crime such as wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, or credit-card fraud.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at [email protected]