Upstate New York woman charged with drug trafficking and aggravated identity theft

BUFFALO, N.Y. — An upstate New York woman was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing – with the intent to distribute – ecstasy pills, along with aggravated identity theft. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Simone Simons, 31, of Middletown, N.Y., has been charged. On Sept. 13, 2012, Simons attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. When entering the United States, Simons produced a U.S. passport in the name of another individual and presented herself as that person to CBP officers.

After determining the defendant's true identity, officers noticed Simons kicking a black purse under the bench in front of her. CBP officers then searched the purse and found approximately 593 ecstasy pills wrapped around a diaper.

U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, Western District of New York, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. government.