A Pembroke man's crude and short-lived scheme to manufacture some extra cash has earned him the possibility of 40 years in federal prison.

Federal prosecutors say Jonathan Neal Williams, 23, decided to make money at home by putting bills ranging in denomination from $1 to $100 onto a combination scanner and color printer and copying them onto stationery.

Williams reportedly passed off the bills at three Pearisburg businesses Oct. 14 and 15. He made purchases for $90 at a Wal-Mart and $50 at Cloverdew Market, said Brian McGinn, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia.

But when Williams went into Star Mart, presented $190 in counterfeit bills and asked that they be exchanged for bills with smaller denominations, staff there recognized the money was fake and contacted authorities, McGinn said.

A search of his home turned up $267 more in counterfeit bills.

Williams pleaded guilty Thursday to two counterfeiting charges that carry a total maximum punishment of 40 years in prison. At the hearing, he said it was his involvement in drugs that led him to attempt the counterfeiting scheme.

Williams remains out of jail on $10,000 bond. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6, McGinn said.