Man was offered sex for funny money

A Millville man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Thursday to one count of counterfeiting money in exchange for sexual favors, according to Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Carle. Jonathan Saoner, 46, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler and admitted that he manufactured the fake bills this June while working at Paragon Press in Millville. Reports indicated Saoner was approached by Tracy Stevens, who is also of Millville, and was asked to produce the counterfeit money. She then offered him oral sex for his assistance. Saoner admitted to manufacturing $7,730 in small bills, Carle said. Stevens pleaded guilty last month to the same charged. Both will be sentenced in February and face a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 fines. Millville Police began their investigation when Stevens tried to pass one of the counterfeit bills to a taxi driver in Millville. Upon her arrest, Stevens told police she also used the counterfeit money to pay $70 to a crack-cocaine dealer, according to an affidavit by Tricia Kuhn, special agent with the U.S. Secret Service. Investigators searched Paragon Press and confiscated negatives, plates and numerous cut and uncut sheets of counterfeit money. A man answering the phone at Paragon Press Thursday, refused comment on the case. Calls to Saoner`s attorney, Brendan Kavanagh of Millville, were not returned Thursday. Carle said she was glad the case was resolved quickly. "The plea that has been negotiated in this particular matter is a fair resolution to the case," she said. Carle was filling in for AUSA Ronald Chilemmi for Thursday`s court appearance. When reached for comment, Chilemmi said Stevens could have been charged as a conspirator, but they charged her under the theory she aided and abetted. "She`s guilty of manufacturing just as much as he is," Chilemmi said. The judge will likely impose lesser sentences on both, but it depends on their prior criminal records, according to Carle. "The plea agreement anticipates he will fall in the guideline range of 12 to 18 months," she said. "It`s up to the discretion of the court." Both defendants pleaded guilty without having their case go to a grand jury for indictment. Stevens will go before Kugler on Feb. 5 and Saoner will be sentenced on Feb. 26. They remain free on bail. Federal court guidelines are more stringent and therefore Stevens and Saoner will not be eligible for parole when sentenced.