News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2008

Informant Pleads Guilty to Lying to DEA

JAN 8 -- Atlanta, GA - GILBERTO PEREZ-BANUCHI, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, today pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Richard Story to a charge of making false statements to a federal agency, relating to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “When informants give false information to federal agents, it can put at risk not only the integrity of the investigation, but also the safety of law enforcement officers and others in the community. Our investigative agencies work hard to make sure the facts are the facts. If someone lies to them, he may face serious federal charges.”

PEREZ-BANUCHI was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 5, 2007, on one count of making false statements to a federal agency.

According to Nahmias, the indictment and the plea agreement filed in court today: On April 16, 2007, PEREZ-BANUCHI made false statements to federal law enforcement officers, informing them that he and another individual had been invited inside a Lawrenceville residence where they had observed large quantities of cocaine. In fact, PEREZ-BANUCHI knew about the cocaine because of an unlawful entry into this residence.

Sentencing for PEREZ-BANUCHI is scheduled for March 13, 2008, before Judge Story.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the DEA and the Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA).

Assistant United States Attorney Cassandra J. Schansman is prosecuting the case. DEA Atlanta Field Division SAC Benson recommends parents and children educate themselves about the dangers of drug abuse by visiting DEA’s interactive website at www.justhinktwice.com

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