Lespin, Hernandez Charged

In a shocking display of disregard for the law, two individuals have been charged with attempting to provide a cell phone to a federal inmate. Anyelina Lespin, age 34, of the Bronx, New York, and Kendy Hernandez, age 29, of the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, are facing serious charges for their alleged actions.

The charges, which were announced by Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, stem from an incident that occurred on January 12, 2013. According to the information filed, Lespin, aided and abetted by Hernandez, attempted to provide a prohibited object, to-wit, a cell phone, to an inmate of a federal correctional facility.

Count one of the two-count information charges Lespin with aiding and abetting Hernandez in the attempt to provide the cell phone. Count two charges Hernandez, an inmate of a federal correctional facility, with aiding and abetting Lespin in the attempt to obtain a prohibited object, to-wit, a cell phone.

The investigation, which was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led to the filing of the information by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Sassé. The charges are serious and could result in significant penalties for the defendants if they are convicted.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case will now proceed to trial, where the defendants will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.

The charges against Lespin and Hernandez serve as a reminder of the seriousness with which federal authorities take attempts to compromise the security of federal correctional facilities. The provision of cell phones to inmates is a serious offense, as it can facilitate further criminal activity and undermine the safety and security of the facility.