An Akron man was ordered deported for failing to disclose his involvement in a military unit engaged in war crimes in the former Yugoslavia, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Steve Francis, HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge.
Ilija Josipovic, 59, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of immigration documents procured by fraud.
U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson ordered Josipovic removed from the United States. He was also sentenced to eight months of house arrest.
“This defendant hid the fact that he was a member of a unit involved in atrocities in the former Yugoslavia," Sierleja said. “He does not deserve the protections and rights of a U.S. citizen when his conduct flew in the face of our nation’s founding ideals."
“The United States will never serve as a place of refuge for individuals seeking to distance themselves from their pasts," Francis said. "HSI will continue to use its unique authorities to ensure that alleged war criminals are brought to justice. "
Josipovic, on Feb. 1, 2012, possessed a Permanent Resident Card in his name, which he knew to be procured by means of a false claim and statement while obtaining an Ohio driver’s license at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office 7744, located at 1030 East Tallmadge Avenue in Akron. On Sept. 10, 2014, he possessed a Permanent Resident Card in his name, which he knew to be procured by means of a false claim and statement while at his residence in Akron, according to court documents.
In 2002, Josipovic omitted or failed to disclose his military service in the 6th Battalion, Zvornik Infantry Brigade, Army of the Republic of Srpska, which began around May 25, 1992 and continued until approximately 1996, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz following an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
