BREAKING: A former Connecticut resident has pleaded guilty to fabricating claims about her past to secure U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, formerly of Hartford and now residing in West Virginia, entered the plea on Monday in federal court in Bridgeport, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This urgent development reveals that Tomanic, a naturalized citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has admitted to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison when she is sentenced on February 3, 2024.
Federal officials confirmed Tomanic served with the Zulfikar Special Unit during the 1990s conflict, participating in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners. In her naturalization application filed in 2012, Tomanic denied any involvement in human rights abuses or detention facilities, lying under oath to gain entry into the United States.
The case has drawn strong condemnation from federal authorities.
“The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,”
stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. He emphasized the commitment of the Justice Department to hold accountable those who exploit immigration systems and threaten public safety.
During a subsequent interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, Tomanic again misrepresented her past, further complicating her case.
“Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense,”
noted U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. He praised law enforcement for their thorough investigation, highlighting the importance of upholding justice in such matters.
The FBI also expressed outrage over Tomanic’s admissions, as they reflect a serious breach of trust in the immigration process.
“Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation,”
said P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The implications of this case extend beyond Tomanic, as it raises significant concerns about the integrity of the immigration system. Authorities are actively working with partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina to address similar cases, reinforcing the need for vigilance against those who exploit the system.
As this case unfolds, Tomanic’s sentencing date on February 3 will be closely monitored, serving as a potential precedent for future cases involving deception in immigration applications. The public and officials alike are urged to stay informed as this critical situation develops.
