Confession$ of a Counterfeiter

Arthur's journey into the world of counterfeiting began with a challenging upbringing in Chicago's projects, shaped by financial hardship and exposure to criminal activities from a young age.

Challenging upbringing in Chicago's projects, with financial hardship and family struggles

Born and raised in the South Side of Chicago, in the Bridgeport neighborhood, Arthur's life was fraught with hardship. Before moving to the projects, he had been raised in a middle-class suburb in Schaumburg, but adapting to the projects' life was a significant culture shock for him. Financial stability was elusive; his mother's bipolar disorder led to frequent hospitalizations, approximately once a year, leaving Arthur to care for his younger siblings.

Witnessed criminal activity and learned early on that money was necessary to survive

Surrounded by poverty and crime, Arthur quickly understood that money was crucial for survival. This harsh reality was cemented when he turned to illegal activities to provide for his family.

Began stealing and breaking into parking meters as a teenager to provide for family

At about 12 or 13 years old, his desperation to support his family drove him to steal and break into car meters. He used the money to buy groceries, assuming the role of the provider during his mother’s incapacitation.

Introduction to counterfeiting through a chance encounter

A fortuitous meeting would lead Arthur down the path to becoming a counterfeiter himself.

Taken under the wing of an experienced counterfeiter

At 15, Arthur met a man at his mother's workplace, a restaurant, who saw potential in him. This man took Arthur out of the police station after he had been detained for stealing a car and offered him guidance. He saw that Arth ...

Arthur J. Williams Jr. details his long history with the art of counterfeiting, describing it as a process that evolved over years into a major criminal operation which adeptly produced millions in counterfeit currency while eluding detection for over a decade and a half.

Painstaking development of counterfeiting techniques over years

Arthur J. Williams Jr. approached counterfeiting as a painstaking, evolutionary challenge, particularly with the advanced security features introduced in the 1996 hundred-dollar bill.

Sourcing the right paper materials

Starting with sourcing the right paper material, critical in defeating marker pens used to detect counterfeits, Williams ordered from various companies using the yellow pages. Ironically, the paper of the yellow pages themselves turned out to be what he needed. With the right paper in hand, Williams was able to replicate crucial security elements like the watermark and security strip by pressing them onto the paper.

Perfecting printing methods to replicate security features

Williams's printing process was a sophisticated combination of technology where he used offset printing for certain components and digital printing, such as ink jet and laser printers, for others. He also employed Photoshop for features like serial numbers and seals. Interestingly, he sourced color-shifting ink technology from House of Color, an automotive supplier, and adapted it for his counterfeit bills, mimicking the government’s own technology.

Prolific criminal operation, potentially producing millions in counterfeit bills

Williams’s counterfeiting operation became prolific, potentially producing over 10 million dollars in fake bills which were sold to criminal networks and spent on both personal items and charitable acts.

Sold to criminal networks and spent money on personal purchases and charitable donations

Initially, Williams and his girlfriend used the counterfeit bills for purchases in malls, but this activity eventually expanded to buying items for people they knew, and later, to making donations to children in need via the Salvatio ...

Arthur navigates the complicated journey from a life of crime to a challenging but ultimately rehabilitative post-prison experience, finding solace and direction in his art.

Multiple arrests and prison sentences for counterfeiting

Arthur was arrested twice for counterfeiting, first with his father and later in an incident involving his son. He acknowledges the addictive nature of counterfeiting, likening it to the difficulty of quitting heroin.

Difficult transition to life outside of prison

Arthur J. Williams Jr. has shared that the transition from prison to the outside world was intense. Tired of jail time, Arthur turned to the peaceful escape that painting offered. However, the path to reintegration was not smooth. He faced humble and challenging jobs, such as cleaning toilet bowls. Struggles extended to personal responsibilities like paying child support, and he navigated financial hardship that required having a roommate to afford housing.

Two years after release, Arthur contemplated giving up. He saw himself trying to catch up on life, grappling with the gap between lawful earnings and the lucrative illegal activities of his past. Yet, he understood the hard work necessary to stay on the right side of the law.

Role of art in providingislative purpose and helping with rehabilitation

Eventually, ...

Arthur J. Williams Jr., a former counterfeiter who found solace in painting while in prison, has embraced his artistic talents to foster positivity in his life and contribute to his community.

Dedicating himself to legal artistic pursuits

Opening an art gallery in his old neighborhood

Arthur is giving back to the community that he grew up in by opening an art gallery on Morgan Street, just a block away from his childhood home. Nicole Lapin mentions this initiative, highlighting Arthur's commitment to using his art to inspire and support his local community. Through his art gallery, Arthur allows kids to paint on the walls, creating a space where young people can contribute to the beautification of their environment. This has been well-received, and the community is appreciative of having something beautiful in their neighborhood. Additionally, Arthur has extended his influence by opening a second gallery in Beverly Hills during the pandemic, which became a place for people to come and see art even amid difficult circumstances.

Embracing a new outlook on money and life

Arthur J. Williams Jr. reflects on his past as a counterfeiter and, in light of his experiences, has experienced a change in philosophy concerning money and its purposes.

Seeing money as a tool to be used for good

Arthur now views money not just as a means of personal welfare, but as a tool that can be used for the benefit of others. He donates art to charities and expresses a desire to help people, particularly those with a difficult background similar to his own. He emphasizes the im ...