Remon Issa Daniel, 35, of Redwood City, is going to federal prison for 41 months after masterminding a sprawling scam that ripped off nearly 40 produce vendors of more than $2 million in fruits and vegetables. The con centered on lies, fake affiliations, and bounced checks—classic grift tactics in a cutthroat scheme that preyed on trust in the perishable goods trade.
Daniel posed as a buyer for legitimate Northern California wholesalers—Bay Produce, New San Jose Wholesale, and General Produce—though he had zero ties to any of them. From 2014 until his arrest on February 25, 2016, he placed bulk orders across California, Arizona, and Texas, charging loads of produce to credit he never intended to repay. His ruse relied on urgency and credibility, exploiting the fast-moving nature of the industry.
On July 7, 2016, Daniel pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in San Jose. He admitted to sending fake deposit slips to vendors as false proof of payment—documents designed to stall while he disappeared with the goods. Only after the trucks rolled and the produce changed hands did victims discover the checks were worthless, returned for insufficient funds. In total, he defrauded at least 38 businesses.
The fraud unraveled when multiple vendors reported losses and traced deliveries back to Daniel, operating solo under stolen business identities. The FBI launched an investigation, gathering digital trails, phone records, and financial documents. On March 10, 2016, a federal grand jury indicted Daniel on 14 counts of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped 11 counts.
U.S. District Judge Lucy H. Koh handed down the 41-month sentence, calling the deception calculated and damaging. In addition to prison time, Daniel was ordered to pay $1,696,445.70 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release upon his release. He was taken into custody immediately and began serving his sentence the same day.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Rosen, with support from Susan Kreider, Yolanda Singletary, and Nina Williams. The FBI’s San Francisco field office led the investigation. U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett emphasized that fraud targeting small and mid-sized suppliers will be met with federal force—no matter how fresh the goods or slick the fraudster.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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