By: Richard L. Smith
Juan Perez-Aguila, 69, Paulsboro, has admitted to engaging in money laundering activities that violated the Travel Act, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger on Friday.
Perez-Aguila's guilty plea was entered on February 1, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti in Newark federal court.
He faced charges of one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises.
Federal officials say court documents and statements reveal that Perez-Aguila engaged in illegal activities involving the access and control of customer accounts at a company providing point-of-sale services.
He executed chargeback refunds from these accounts to others under his control.
Through this scheme, Perez-Aguila laundered over $20,000 of criminally derived funds into another bank account he owned.
The total amount misappropriated from victims through his fraudulent activities exceeded $1 million.
The offense under the Travel Act for which Perez-Aguila has pleaded guilty carries a severe penalty. He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
The sentencing is set for June 13, 2024, where the full extent of the legal repercussions for his actions will be determined.