AG Jeff Landry Fights
for Louisiana Victims, Renews Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
LAFAYETTE, LA – A Nigerian man was arrested last week
for allegedly stealing over $22,250 online from a victim in Acadiana, announced
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.
Vincent Izuchukwu Ezeocha, 27 of Nigeria, was arrested
on one count of bank fraud, one count of felony theft, and one count of money
laundering. The arrest was the result of work by the Louisiana Bureau of
Investigation (LBI), Louisiana State Police (LSP), and Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI).
“The sanctuary city of Chicago harbored this criminal,
and another citizen of Louisiana has unfortunately been victimized by an
illegal immigrant,” said General Landry. “I am grateful to our law enforcement
partners for working with my office to apprehend Mr. Ezeocha.”
Operating out of Chicago, Ezeocha allegedly contacted
the Lafayette victim while purporting to be a New Mexico merchant with whom the
victim had previously done business. Ezeocha allegedly arranged for another
transaction and used Chicago bank accounts to route the illicit funds to
himself. The New Mexico merchant had previously suffered a network intrusion
that compromised the merchant’s email database.
“This case should be a reminder to businesses and
consumers to take a few extra steps to keep their information safe online,”
added General Landry. “And this case is further proof of the need for
comprehensive immigration reform.”
On Monday, LSP stopped Ezeocha for speeding in
Tangipahoa Parish and determined Ezeocha was wanted by the LBI for felony
charges in Lafayette Parish, at which time he was booked in Tangipahoa as a
fugitive for LBI. On Wednesday LBI agents booked Ezeocha in Lafayette on the
specified charges. During the investigation, it was determined that Ezeocha was
a Nigerian citizen, in the U.S. by way of a visa. Ezeocha had previously been
detained in Chicago following a traffic stop in August, but was not held for extradition
to Louisiana by the Chicago Courts despite the active warrant for his arrest in
Louisiana.
A detainer has been placed on Ezeocha by HSI.