Man Pleads Guilty To Bribing Federal Official

Defendant Sought Immigration Benefits in Pay-to-Play Scheme

ATLANTA – Ibrahim Barrie pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a bribery conspiracy seeking immigration benefits.

 “This defendant attempted to subvert the immigration process by offering bribes to a federal agent whom he believed would help him,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.  “In the end, he faces significant jail time and likely deportation for his actions.”

 “The ICE Office of Professional Responsibility takes bribery of ICE officials very seriously and makes it a priority to thoroughly pursue investigation of such allegations. In this case, Mr. Barrie ignored the lawful route to pursue immigration benefits in favor of offering monetary bribes for expediting his residency status as well as other benefits. As a result, he is instead facing the possibility of prison time followed by deportation,” said David P. D’Amato, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility for the Southeast Region.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court:  Beginning in September 2010, and continuing until at least July 2012, Barrie paid bribes to a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security who was working in an undercover capacity, in exchange for immigration benefits as well as other benefits.  Over a two-year period, he paid thousands of dollars to the undercover special agent for what he believed was assistance with his immigration status in the United States, including obtaining a permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card. 

Barrie, 32, of Atlanta, could receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.  The defendant likely faces removal from the United States.  However, in determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. 

Sentencing is scheduled for September 30 2013, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Steven P. Jones. 

This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility.

Assistant United States Attorney Skye Davis is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.