Fonjeck Eric Azoh, a 42-year-old man from Mount Rainier, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to a scheme in which he defrauded customers out of at least $158,000 in a puppy scam.
According to the government’s evidence, between January 2019 and October 2020, Azoh advertised the sale of pit bull puppies on various websites, promising to deliver the dogs to victims living throughout the United States. However, he never intended to provide the puppies and instead directed victims to send money to him through money transfer businesses, which he then collected at retail stores and elsewhere.
Throughout the scheme, Azoh collected at least $158,000 from at least 119 victims who lived in 40 different states. He was arrested in January 2021 and has been in custody ever since.
Azoh pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a charge that carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and potential financial penalties. As part of the plea agreement, Azoh agreed that a restitution order of at least $158,000 is appropriate in the case. He also agreed to forfeit $67,000 seized by law enforcement during the investigation and pay an additional $92,000 forfeiture money judgment.
Azoh will be sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on November 17, 2021, by the Honorable Carl J. Nichols. In announcing the plea, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips and Special Agent in Charge Villanueva commended the work of those who investigated the case from HSI. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert, who prosecuted the case.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online scams and the importance of being cautious when making financial transactions online. It is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes.
Azoh’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for the victims of his scheme, who will now have the opportunity to seek restitution and closure. It also serves as a warning to others who may be considering engaging in similar scams: the consequences of these crimes are severe and the chances of getting caught are high.
Fonjeck Eric Azoh, Wire Fraud, Washington DC 2021
Defendant: Fonjeck Eric Azoh
Criminal Charges: Wire fraud
City and State: Washington DC
Arrest Date: January 2021
Sentence: Awaiting sentencing (November 17, 2021)
Dollar Amounts: At least $158,000 in restitution, $67,000 forfeiture, and $92,000 forfeiture money judgment
Related Federal Cases
- Bianca Bush-Bronson, Wire Fraud, Washington D.C. 2024 · District of Columbia
- Michelle Cho, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, DC 2023 · District of Columbia
- Tinita Joyner, Wire Fraud, MD 2024 · District of Columbia
- Ri Jong Chol, Bank Fraud, Washington D.C. · District of Columbia
- Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Healthcare Fraud, District of Columbia 2023 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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