Former Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying for U.S. Citizenship

BREAKING NEWS: A former Connecticut woman has pleaded guilty to deceiving immigration authorities about her involvement in war crimes to secure U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, formerly of Hartford and now residing in West Virginia, entered her plea in federal court in Bridgeport on Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

This urgent update comes as Tomanic is set to be sentenced on February 3, 2024, and could face a maximum of 10 years in prison. The case underscores serious concerns about how individuals may exploit the immigration system, posing potential risks to public safety.

Tomanic, a naturalized citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, served in the Zulfikar Special Unit during the tumultuous 1990s. Authorities confirm that she participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners. When applying for citizenship in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied having any involvement in a detention facility or any crimes, including serious bodily harm, during her service.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed.” This statement highlights the broader implications of such fraudulent actions on the integrity of the immigration process.

During her naturalization interview, Tomanic continued to lie under oath about her military service and criminal history. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the gravity of her actions, noting that “covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.”

U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan remarked, “Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation.” The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge, P.J. O’Brien, added that Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are “detestable” given her history of targeting individuals based on ethnicity and religion.

This developing story raises significant questions about how individuals with a history of violence and human rights abuses can manipulate immigration laws. Authorities are committed to investigating such crimes to protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

As this situation unfolds, Tomanic’s case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of truthful disclosures in the naturalization process. The implications for future immigration policy and enforcement could be profound, making this a vital story to follow.

Stay tuned for further updates as this case progresses, and share this urgent news with your network to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding immigration integrity.