A prominent fashion designer, known for her luxury accessories worn by celebrities such as Britney Spears and the cast of 'Sex and the City,' has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from Colombia.
Nancy Gonzalez, who was arrested in Cali, Colombia, in 2022 and later extradited to the U.S., was found guilty of orchestrating a multiyear conspiracy to transport her handbags on commercial flights to high-end showrooms and fashion events in New York, in violation of U.S. wildlife laws.
Prosecutors likened Gonzalez's actions to those of drug traffickers, emphasizing that her motives were financially driven. Despite her lawyers' plea for leniency, citing her journey from a single mother designing belts on a home sewing machine to a fashion icon, the judge handed down the 18-month sentence.
Gonzalez expressed regret for not complying with U.S. laws and acknowledged her mistakes, stating her desire to reunite with her elderly mother. Her attorneys highlighted the impact of her arrest on her business, which led to bankruptcy and closure.
While Gonzalez's defense argued that only a small percentage of her merchandise lacked proper authorization, prosecutors emphasized the significant wealth she had amassed through her illegal activities. They revealed that Gonzalez recruited couriers to smuggle her goods into the U.S., instructing them to deceive customs agents.
Despite claims that the imported skins were from captive-bred caiman and pythons, Gonzalez failed to obtain necessary import authorizations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, violating international wildlife trade regulations.
The judge considered Gonzalez's nearly 14 months in a Colombian prison during extradition proceedings when determining her sentence. She is set to begin her prison term on June 6.
Gonzalez's high-end handbags, crafted from protected wildlife skins, were favored by celebrities and featured in prestigious events and exhibitions. However, her illegal activities have tarnished her reputation and led to legal repercussions.
