Is there a statute of limitations for using a counterfeit check as evidence against a suspect in fraud trial?

In 2001, a scammer gave me a counterfeit check for the sale of my car. The bank returned the check to me when they deemed it counterfeit. I still have the original check in my possession. The car was recently recovered in a storage unit, and I suggested they inspect the check for fingerprints and see if they match the suspect's prints. The officer told me the statute of limitations has expired on the check. Is that correct? I can understand if there is a statute on collecting or arresting for writing a "bad" check (i.e. insufficient funds), but I find it hard to believe there is a statute on a federal crime of counterfeiting. Please help!