Jury Convicts Georgia Man of Entry Under False Pretenses

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andrew Avila, age 45, of Acworth, Georgia, was convicted today of entry under false pretenses following a four-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and U.S. Department of Energy Inspector General Teri L. Donaldson.

The trial evidence demonstrated that Avila traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, on May 2, 2018, and entered the Port of Albany by passing himself off as a Department of Energy (“DOE”) employee.  The Port of Albany is a secured area that spans parts of Albany, Rensselaer, and the Town of Bethlehem, New York, and is subject to a security plan required and approved by the United States Coast Guard.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2022 in Albany, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. On the misdemeanor conviction, Avila faces a term of imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to $5,000.

The jury voted to acquit Avila of the felony charge of impersonating a DOE employee. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Energy, Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily C. Powers and Rick Belliss. 

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