United States v. Kevin Joseph Bautista

Using only a personal computer, ordinary software, and a color ink jet printer, Kevin Bautista manufactured approximately $7,000 in counterfeit currency while staying in room # 332 of the Good Nite Inn in San Diego, California. It was not Bautista’s counterfeiting operation that led the police to his motel room, however. It was the credit card used to reserve the room. Upon being informed that the card was stolen, the motel’s manager called the San Diego Police, who searched Bautista’s room with the ostensible consent of Bautis-ta’s wife. The search led to the discovery of Bautista’s computer software as well as partially printed federal reserve notes, several counterfeit bills, and additional papers with counterfeited watermarks and security bands. Bautista was apprehended away from the motel. As a result of police questioning, Bautista gave a full and detailed confession.

Bautista was indicted for manufacturing counterfeit currency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 471 . He filed a motion to suppress the evidence obtained during the search of his motel room and the statements he made while in custody. Both motions were denied and Bautista entered a conditional guilty plea,…