The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, along with Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced charges against Ashanti Washington. Washington is accused of perjury and obstruction of justice related to her testimony during a federal criminal trial.
Washington’s alleged false testimony occurred at the March 2025 trial of United States v. Kevin Perez. Perez was on trial for racketeering and violent crimes. Washington was arrested on June 24, 2025, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, “As alleged, Ashanti Washington swore an oath to tell the truth in federal court and repeatedly lied and attempted to obstruct a New York federal criminal trial.” He emphasized that honesty under oath is vital to justice.
Michael Alfonso added that Washington’s actions “obstructed justice and undermined the integrity of our legal system,” leading to her arrest and federal charges.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch remarked that Washington’s actions were not merely dishonest but a deliberate attack on judicial integrity: “This wasn’t just simple dishonesty—this was a calculated attack on the integrity of our judicial system.”
During Perez’s trial, which began on March 10, 2025, he faced charges including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering. The jury found him guilty on several counts but acquitted him regarding murder.
Washington testified as a defense witness on March 17 and 18, allegedly lying about her knowledge concerning the gun used by Perez in a charged murder among other details. Investigation later found her DNA on parts of the gun she claimed no knowledge about.
Washington faces three counts of perjury at a federal criminal trial with each count carrying up to five years in prison, alongside one count of obstruction carrying up to ten years.
Jay Clayton praised HSI Violent Gangs Task Force agents from NYPD for their work while noting that investigations continue.
The case is managed by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herman, Patrick Moroney, and Ni Qian prosecuting.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations; Washington remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
