ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a grim twist of justice, Israa Sultan, 44, has been sentenced to time served, approximately 141 days in jail, for lying to federal officers and attempting to smuggle cocaine into the United States. The Iraqi national’s sentence was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Port Director Timothy Walker of the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Sultan, who was legally admitted to the U.S. in 2007, attempted a daring escape across the border into Canada using another woman’s United States passport. Canadian authorities denied entry and handed her over to CBP officials. In a bold-faced lie, Sultan falsely claimed she was the person depicted on the stolen document.
CBP Officers uncovered approximately 20 grams of cocaine hidden within Sultan’s shoes during the search. But the plot thickened when Sultan managed to bring the illegal substance into a federal courthouse during a hearing related to her case, further illustrating her brazen disregard for the law.
Judge Anne M. Nardacci imposed additional penalties, fining Sultan $5,000 and ordering one year of supervised release after she completes her jail term. The court also required Sultan to reimburse the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the cost of her defense.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case, which was investigated by CBP. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who attempt to breach our nation’s borders and laws with deceit and dangerous substances.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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