Redwood City Man Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Defraud Produce Vendors

FBI Press Release

SAN JOSE, CA— Remon Issa Daniel was indicted on charges of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding produce vendors of over one million dollars of fruit and vegetables announced Acting United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson.

According to the indictment filed yesterday, Daniel, 35, of Redwood City, obtained fruit and vegetables from at least 10 different vendors during the course of his scheme, which began in 2014. He ordered this produce primarily from companies in Southern California, Arizona, and Texas, and usually claimed to be from one of three genuine produce wholesalers in Northern California: Bay Produce, New San Jose Wholesale, or General Produce. According to the indictment, Daniel had no association with any of these companies. Further, Daniel often used his own name but also allegedly used the false identity of Rick Stevens. The indictment alleges that Daniel sometimes sent the vendor a copy of a deposit slip, as proof that he had made a payment for the product. Only after the vendor released the produce to Daniel would the vendor learn that the deposited check was returned for insufficient funds. The indictment charges Daniel with fourteen counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.

Daniel was arrested on February 25, 2016, based on a federal complaint alleging similar conduct. He is currently in federal custody and will be arraigned on the indictment on March 14, 2016, at 1:30, before the Honorable Howard R. Lloyd, U.S. Magistrate Judge, in San Jose.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Daniel faces a maximum statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Additional fines, supervised release and restitution may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Rosen is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider and Yolanda Singletary. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

All press inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office should be directed to Abraham Simmons at (415) 436-7264 or by e-mail at Abraham.Simmons@usdoj.gov.