Moldovan Citizen Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement to a Federal Agent

           CONCORD - Stela Sacara, 34, a citizen of Moldova residing in Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to making a false statement to a federal agent, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, Sacara operated several companies from her home and office, including Rochester Chemical LLC, which she ran with her sister, Natalia.  Rochester Chemical acquired consumable laboratory equipment and repackaged and shipped it abroad.  The Office of Export and Enforcement (OEE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the activities of Sacara and Rochester Chemical, and others associated with them, to determine whether the exports were being made in compliance with federal laws and regulations.          

           On September 14, 2018, Sacara was interviewed by federal agents and falsely stated the manager of Rochester Chemical was Amy Johnson.  Company emails further showed that Sacara and/or Natalia used the Amy Johnson alias periodically.  There is no record of the company ever employing “Amy Johnson.”   Johnson does not exist.  The sole principals of the company are Sacara and her sister, Natalia. 

           Sacara’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

           “Lying to federal investigators is a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “By providing false information, this defendant sought to mislead federal agents who were conducting an investigation.  This conviction should serve as an important reminder that those who lie to federal agents face serious criminal consequences for their unlawful actions.”

           “Stela Sacara deliberately lied to federal agents to conceal the extent of her involvement in the business operations of Rochester Chemical and ultimately, who was on the receiving end of their shipments. Not only did her actions cause our investigators to waste time and energy attempting to locate individuals who do not exist, but she tried to impede our investigation into whether the company was violating our export laws. This case should serve as a warning to others that it is never a good idea to lie to federal agents and there will be significant consequences if you do,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            This matter was investigated by the Office of Export and Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

###