Bronx man indicted for use of fraudulent immigration document

        BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Abdus Samad, 44, of Bronx, N.Y., with using a fraudulent immigration document. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Moscati, who is handling the case, stated that on August 22, 2013, Samad attempted to re-enter the United States from Canada at the Lewiston Bridge. The defendant presented a United States Passport which he obtained by making false statements in the application process. The Government alleges Samad failed to disclose his prior use of an alias in his initial asylum application with the Government.

The Indictment was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Buffalo, New York Resident Agent in Charge Roy B. Stillman.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.