A Romanian citizen, Andrei Fagaras, was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to access device fraud in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The sentencing took place on December 2, 2025. Fagaras, aged 35, has been in custody since November 20, 2024.
Court documents indicate that Fagaras and two other individuals were found with device-making equipment, specifically credit and debit card skimmers. These devices were installed on point-of-sale machines at three retail locations in the region over two days in November 2024.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a national effort by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and addressing violent crime. This initiative coordinates resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Matthew Wilkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the USDA Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), stated: “We appreciate the collaboration with our federal and local law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation. Those who are involved in fraud regarding USDA taxpayer-funded programs will be investigated by our office to protect the integrity of those programs.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including special agents from the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and United States Secret Service; deputies from Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office; as well as officers from New Orleans Police Department, Harahan Police Department, and Scott Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Calogero is prosecuting the case.
