Fort Myers, Florida - U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that U.S. District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced  Brandon T. Albanito (25, Cape Coral) to 78 months in federal prison for unlawful production of false identification documents (false driver's licenses); unlawful transfer of false identification documents; using a fictitious name to conduct unlawful business by means of the Postal Service; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (money laundering); structuring currency transactions to evade reporting requirements; possession with intent to distribute Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as MDMA or Ecstasy); possession with intent to distribute Psilocyn (hallucinogenic mushrooms); and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.  Albanito was found guilty, after a jury trial, in May 2011.

The court also ordered Albanito to forfeit, to the United States, $868,040.00 in United States currency, a 2010 Lexus Vehicle, real property located at 801 West Cape Estates Circle in Cape Coral, jewelry, an iPhone, and numerous computers and software programs which were traceable proceeds of the offenses.

According to court documents, since at least August of 2008, Albanito produced and distributed high quality driver’s licenses to underage teenagers throughout the United States. Customers paid about $150 each for these false driver’s licenses, and their payments typically were remitted by mail to a post office box in Cape Coral. He utilized the cash proceeds of this operation to personally enrich himself.  Funds obtained by Albanito through this illegal business were deposited into bank accounts with structured (i.e. less than $10,000) deposits and laundered by purchasing assets. According to court documents, on July 29, 2010, United States Secret Service Agents and Postal Service Inspectors arrested Albanito pursuant to a federal arrest warrant.  A federal search warrant was executed at his residence located in Cape Coral. During the search, among the items located and seized was in excess of $860,040.00 in cash, a loaded .45 caliber semi­automatic pistol, marijuana, cocaine, MDMA powder (Ecstasy), Psilocyn, and over 4000 empty pill capsules and small baggies.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Criminal Investigation division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cape Coral Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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