Fast Law PC, the legal representatives for Hajia4Reall, have clarified that she did not disclose any names as part of her efforts to seek a reduced sentence.
In an Instagram video posted on the firm’s official page, a spokesperson stated unequivocally that Mona Montrage did not engage in any form of cooperation with the US Attorney’s Office to identify individuals involved in her case.
“We want to make it clear that Mona Montrage did not engage in any catfishing activities or cooperate with the US Attorney’s Office to reveal any names,” the representative affirmed. “We have evidence to substantiate these claims,” she stated.
The statement from Mona’s legal team addresses recent allegations suggesting she provided information about others in exchange for a more lenient sentencing.
“Our decision to address the public comes in response to inquiries we have received regarding whether Mona disclosed any names related to her fraudulent activities,” the spokesperson explained.
“Following Mona Montrage’s sentencing, we have been asked about her cooperation. Consider this: If she had cooperated with the US Attorney’s Office, would they have recommended a guideline sentence of 37 to 46 months? Clearly, they would not have,” she added.
Moreover, Mona Montrage has been sentenced to one year and a day for her involvement in the fraud case. Prior to that, she had appealed for a reduced sentence citing her role as a single parent.
Background
Mona Faiz Montrage, known as Hajia4Reall or Mona4Reall, was extradited from the UK to the US for her role in a romance scam amounting to $2 million, targeting older, single Americans. The 30-year-old musician and businesswoman first appeared in Manhattan federal court on May 15, 2022.
Details from the case revealed that Hajia4Reall maintained five foreign bank accounts through which she received funds from over forty victims, using fictitious business entities across three banks in the Bronx, New York.
She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money, one of seven charges including attempted wire fraud, money laundering, and related offenses. The guilty plea carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.
As part of the sentencing, the court allowed Hajia4Reall to forfeit properties valued at $2,164,758.41 instead of monetary restitution for the stolen funds under the conspiracy charge.
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