Guam Woman Sentenced for 7 Years After Extorting $450K from Elderly Couple.
The United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Shawn Anderson, has announced the sentencing of Brenda Kinian, a 43-year-old from Weno, Chuuk, and a permanent resident of Guam, to 84 months in federal prison. Kinian was convicted for her involvement in an extortion scheme that targeted an elderly Korean couple who owned a convenience store in Agat, Guam.
The sentencing occurred in the U.S. District Court of Guam. In addition to the 84-month prison sentence for extortion by wrongful use of threatened force, violence, or fear, Kinian also received a concurrent 36-month sentence for aiding and abetting extortion under the pretense of office and employment, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 872. The court further mandated three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $450,000 to the victims. Additionally, Brenda Kinian faces a forfeiture money judgment of $371,896 and was assessed a mandatory fee of $200.
Extortion Scheme Targeting Elderly Couple
From April 2017 to May 2018, Brenda Kinian manipulated the elderly couple after a traumatic robbery in which the wife was injured. Living behind the store, Kinian informed the couple that she had connections to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and could protect them from future harm. She falsely claimed that FBI agents were safeguarding their family, including their daughter, a college student living off-island.
Brenda Kinian took advantage of the couple's fear and vulnerability, fabricating stories about FBI agents being killed while protecting them. Her deceitful actions led the couple to believe their lives were at imminent risk. She manipulated the couple into believing that the safety of their family depended on complying with her demands. By late 2017, Kinian convinced the couple that their daughter should return to Guam for protection, and by May 2018, she had taken control of their convenience store.
In total, Brenda Kinian extorted $450,000 from the couple under false pretenses, using fear and deceit to manipulate them into compliance. The victims were left financially devastated, having trusted her under the belief they were receiving protection from a federal law enforcement agency.
Statement from U.S. Attorney and FBI
U.S. Attorney Shawn N. Anderson condemned Kinian's actions, saying, “Kinian took advantage of this family in the most unconscionable way. She preyed on their valid concerns for safety and personal income, under the guise of protection by a federal law enforcement agency. May the Court’s sentencing order bring a measure of justice for these people.”
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill also weighed in, stating, “Ms. Kinian impersonated an FBI Special Agent and spent years terrorizing an entire innocent family out of their life savings. This sentencing demonstrates that extortion will not be tolerated, and those involved in defrauding and intimidating others will be brought to justice.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation into Kinian's criminal activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Marivic P. David for the District of Guam.
This case highlights the severe consequences of extortion and underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for exploiting others under false pretenses.
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