Brooklyn, New York – Endrit Kllogjeri, a 29-year-old resident of Brooklyn, was found guilty on June 27, for his involvement in a week-long strongarm extortion scheme that took place in 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The conviction came after a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court.
Co-defendant Francis Garzon, who played a role in the scheme, pleaded guilty on June 13, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Kllogjeri and Garzon conspired and attempted to extort a resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, and the resident’s son in Brooklyn, New York, from December 1, 2019, to December 9, 2019.
The victim was subjected to threats of physical harm if they failed to recover a bag believed to contain property valued at $100,000, which was allegedly in the possession of the victim’s son. Additionally, Kllogjeri and Garzon demanded an additional payment of $100,000 as “interest” for the son’s possession of the bag. During the threats against the victim, Garzon brandished a revolver, pointing the weapon at the victim and cocking its hammer.
The victim’s family members were also threatened. Over the course of the following week, Kllogjeri and Garzon continued to communicate with the victim, maintaining the threats. On December 9, 2019, Kllogjeri and Garzon were arrested together in a vehicle in Brooklyn.
Just before the arrest, Garzon attempted to send a text message to the victim, confirming the victim’s intention to comply with the demands.
Kllogjeri now faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years for each count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and attempted Hobbs Act extortion. Each count also carries a potential fine of $250,000.