A Romanian national has pleaded guilty to access device fraud charges in New Orleans. According to Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, Andrei Fagaras, 35, entered the plea on August 19, 2025. Fagaras was charged under a three-count indictment for violating federal law related to access device fraud.
Court documents state that on November 13 and 14, 2024, Fagaras and two others possessed device-making equipment, specifically credit and debit card skimmers. These devices were installed on point-of-sale machines at three retail locations within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Fagaras faces up to fifteen years in prison, a possible fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after any prison term, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. "Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged the efforts of several agencies: "Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office; and the New Orleans Police Department." Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Calogero from the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.
