Federal Air Marshal Admits to False Statement and Unauthorized Sale of DHS Insignia

Jonathan J. Ledesma Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Activities Involving Homeland Security Cards

NEW JERSEY – A U.S. Air Marshal has admitted to selling unauthorized identification cards embossed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insignia and making a false statement to a federal officer. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Guilty Plea and Charges

Jonathan J. Ledesma, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on July 17, 2024, to a two-count information charging him with making false statements and unauthorized sale of official insignia.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

Unauthorized Sale of DHS Insignia:

• From October 2021 through January 2023, Ledesma purchased and sold cards identifying bearers as “Law Enforcement Family Members” of “Jonathan J. Ledesma,” a “Federal Officer.”
• These cards were embossed with the DHS insignia and included a QR code linked to Ledesma’s cell phone.
• Ledesma sold these cards despite lacking authorization to use or sell the DHS insignia.

False Statement to Federal Officer:

• In July 2022, Ledesma sold one of these cards to an individual who was later arrested on January 30, 2023, while in possession of the card.
• When a federal officer scanned the QR code and contacted Ledesma, he falsely claimed that he provided the card because the individual was a friend and business associate of the individual’s father. Ledesma had never met or conducted business with the individual's father.
• On January 18, 2023, Ledesma sold a second card to another person.

Legal Consequences

• False Statement: Punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
• Unauthorized Sale of Official Insignia: Punishable by up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2024.

Investigation and Acknowledgments

This case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of official insignia and the trust in federal law enforcement. The investigation leading to Ledesma's guilty plea was conducted by federal authorities, ensuring accountability and adherence to legal standards within federal law enforcement agencies.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Smith from the Special Prosecutions Division.

This guilty plea highlights ongoing efforts to address and prosecute fraudulent activities involving federal credentials and maintain the integrity of federal law enforcement operations.