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METAIRIE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO IDENTIFICATION FRAUD

October 28, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KWAME MICHOU NANTAMBU, a/k/a Adonis Jefferson, a/k/a Nantambu Willingham, age 24, a resident of Metairie, pled guilty in federal court before U. S. District Judge Helen Berrigan to a two count Superseding Bill of Information for presentation of a fraudulent driver’s license and credit card fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to court documents, on April 17, 2008, KWAME MICHOU NANTAMBU presented a fraudulent Georgia driver’s license at New Orleans International Airport in an attempt to evade federal security procedures at the airport and to hide his true identity. The fake identification was used to retrieve a reservation under the name of NANTAMBU’s alias “Adonis Jefferson”. NANTAMBU did not travel on this flight as he was discovered before entering the security checkpoint by Jet Blue employees.

Also, between May 20, 2007 and May 21, 2008, KWAME MICHOU NANTAMBU, traveled on seven (7) domestic and international flights using plane tickets purchased with several stolen credit card account numbers, resulting in a loss of $13,713.10 to USAirways and United Airlines.

NANTAMBU faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years as to the fraudulent driver’s license, a fine of $250,000 and three (3) years supervised release. He also faces a possible maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years imprisonment as to credit card fraud, a fine of $250,000.00, and three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Berrigan scheduled a sentencing date of February 4, 2009.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney W. Scott Laragy.

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