Jacksonville Man Charged In Conspiracy To Send Money Syria

Jacksonville, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the indictment of Emell Meda Meda (44, Jacksonville) charging him with one count of conspiracy to structure financial transactions, and one count of structuring financial transactions. If convicted on both counts, Meda Meda faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Meda Meda that the United States intends to forfeit $18,500, which is alleged to be traceable to the offense. Meda Meda was arrested on July 2, 2013.

According to the indictment, on or about June 10, 2009, Meda Meda instructed and paid two other individuals to each send $6,120 to a specific individual in Syria. The individuals were instructed to use their own names, as opposed to using Emell Meda Meda's name, when completing the required paperwork for the international electronic funds transfers. Thereafter, on June 12, 2009, Meda Meda instructed a third individual to use his/her own name to send $6,630 to an individual in Syria via an electronic funds transfer. On each occasion, the individuals were instructed to send the funds in this manner in order to conceal the fact that Meda Meda was the source of the money. Syria is a country classified by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Devereaux.