A Romanian national has pleaded guilty to charges of access device fraud in the Eastern District of Louisiana. On August 19, 2025, Andrei Fagaras, 35, admitted guilt to a three-count indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(4), according to Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Court documents state that on November 13 and November 14, 2024, Fagaras and two others were found with credit and debit card skimming equipment at three retail locations within the district. They installed these devices on point-of-sale machines.
Fagaras could face up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release after any prison term, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America. “Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson recognized contributions from several agencies: “Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office; and the New Orleans Police Department.” The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Calogero from the General Crimes Unit.
