Samora Patterson, Money Laundering, New Jersey 2023

Newark, NJ - In a shocking revelation, Samora Patterson, a 40-year-old East Orange resident, has been charged with conspiring to transact in criminal proceeds involving $2.36 million in funds obtained through a business email scheme. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced the charges against Patterson, who is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.

According to the complaint, in March 2015, three related real estate companies entered into a multi-million dollar transaction to sell certain commercial real estate properties. Title Company A was the closing agent for the transaction.

On May 7, 2015, hackers impersonating the president of the three real estate companies sent a fraudulent email to Title Company A with wire instructions for the net closing proceeds. The fraudulent wire instructions directed Title Company A to wire $2.36 million to an account controlled by Patterson. Over the next several days, Patterson withdrew the $2.36 million from his account through cashier’s checks and cash.

The count with which Patterson is charged carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant: Samora Patterson

Criminal Charges: Conspiring to transact in criminal proceeds

City and State: East Orange, New Jersey

Date: N/A

Sentence: Maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

Dollar Amounts: $2.36 million

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/east-orange-new-jersey-man-charged-money-laundering