Albany woman pleads guilty to money laundering involving more than $850,000 in stolen government funds

Albany, New York – An Albany woman has admitted to taking part in a financial scheme involving more than $850,000 in stolen government funds, including money that was used to purchase a residential property, federal prosecutors announced. The case involves allegations of fraud connected to a government assistance program intended to support farmers facing financial difficulties.

Drasana Johnson, 28, of Albany, pleaded guilty to conducting a monetary transaction involving proceeds from stolen federal funds. According to court information, approximately $200,000 of the money involved in the scheme was used toward the purchase of a home. The case is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, an effort focused on investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of misusing federal programs.

The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region.

Court documents show that Johnson admitted to conducting several financial transactions in May 2023 for Asjid Parvez, another federal defendant who previously pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $1 million in federal funds. Prosecutors said Johnson participated in transactions connected to the stolen money, including the purchase of an $878,698 teller check.

As part of her guilty plea, Johnson admitted that she personally received more than $150,000 from the illegal activity.

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Federal officials said the stolen funds were connected to programs created to provide financial assistance and relief. Investigators said the money was intended to support legitimate government efforts, including programs designed to help farmers dealing with economic challenges.

“Hardworking American taxpayers fund countless programs across the nation to aid our fellow Americans, and in this case, to aid hardworking farmers feeding our country. This defendant’s shameless actions defrauded those systems and now she will face up to 10 years in prison,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

The FBI said the case demonstrates the importance of protecting government resources and ensuring federal assistance reaches the people and communities it was designed to help.

“Ms. Johnson boldly stole almost $1 million from government funds designed to help our farmers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli. “Americans expect government funds to be used as intended, and this investigation proves the FBI will work with our partners at every level of law enforcement to ensure they are.”

USDA officials also emphasized that fraudulent activity involving agricultural assistance programs can have serious consequences. The agency said the investigation reflects a broader commitment to holding accountable individuals who attempt to exploit programs created to provide relief.

“The defendant in this case defrauded a government assistance program made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. The program was designed to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain Farm Service Agency direct and/or guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations were at financial risk. This investigation should send a message of deterrence that USDA-OIG and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding those accountable who defraud government programs,” said Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge, USDA-OIG.

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Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Albany, New York, before U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. She faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.

Officials noted that the final sentence will be determined by the judge after considering the applicable federal law, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors related to the case.

The prosecution comes as federal agencies continue expanding efforts to combat fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. The Department of Justice recently announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, known as the Fraud Division, which is focused on investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of committing fraud against the American public.

The Department of Justice said its fraud enforcement work supports the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a government-wide initiative chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance. The task force aims to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

Authorities said cases like Johnson’s serve as a reminder that individuals who misuse public funds intended for assistance programs can face significant criminal penalties. Federal investigators continue to work with partner agencies to identify and prosecute financial crimes involving government resources.