Drasana Johnson, a 27-year-old resident of Albany, has been indicted for allegedly laundering over $850,000 in stolen government funds. The indictment claims that she used around $200,000 of these funds to purchase a residential property.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI; and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the USDA-OIG Northeast Region.
According to the indictment, between May 25 and June 30, 2023, Johnson conducted seven monetary transactions each exceeding $10,000. These transactions were reportedly linked to stolen government property.
A previously filed criminal complaint suggests that Johnson laundered federal funds stolen by Asjid Parvez from a USDA program designed to assist struggling farmers with loan repayments. "The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations," noted officials. "The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
If convicted on money laundering charges, Johnson could face up to 10 years in prison and a supervised release term of up to three years. Sentencing would be determined based on specific statutes violated and other factors.
Parvez had already been sentenced in May 2024 to an 18-month prison term after pleading guilty to theft of federal funds.
Investigations have led the FBI to seize approximately $516,974 traceable to the stolen federal funds. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office's Asset Recovery Unit has initiated a civil action for forfeiture of a residential property purchased with about $202,675 in allegedly stolen funds.
This case is being investigated by both the FBI and USDA's Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck is leading the prosecution while Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Conger handles asset forfeiture proceedings.