Who is Adriana Camberos? Trump Pardons Again After Second Federal Fraud Conviction

US President Donald Trump has issued a new round of presidential pardons, drawing attention to one particularly controversial case. Among those granted clemency is Adriana Camberos, a California businesswoman who has been convicted twice in separate federal fraud cases.

What makes the case unusual is that this is the second time Trump has intervened on her behalf. During his first term, he commuted her prison sentence. Now, after a later conviction, he has issued her a full pardon.

The decision was part of a broader clemency package that included more than 20 pardons and commutations involving political allies, business figures, and defendants in high-profile federal cases.

Who Is Adriana Camberos?

Adriana Camberos is a businesswoman based in San Diego, California. She first became known to federal authorities through a fraud investigation involving energy drink products.

Her legal history includes two separate federal convictions, both related to alleged large-scale commercial fraud.

First Federal Fraud Case Explained

Camberos’ first conviction involved a scheme connected to 5-Hour Energy drink bottles.

Prosecutors said the products were originally intended for resale in Mexico. Instead, authorities alleged the bottles were diverted into the US market. According to court filings, the containers were altered, given counterfeit labels, and filled with liquid that was not authentic.

She was found guilty on federal charges. In January 2021, just days before leaving office, Trump commuted her prison sentence. This allowed her to avoid serving the full term.

Second Conviction and Return to Custody

Despite receiving clemency, Camberos later faced new legal trouble.

In 2024, she and her brother, Andres Camberos, were convicted in a separate federal fraud case. Prosecutors said the siblings falsely claimed they were buying goods for export to Mexico, prisons, or rehabilitation centers.

Based on those claims, manufacturers allegedly sold them food and other products at deeply discounted prices. Instead of exporting the goods, authorities said the items were resold inside the US for profit.

Federal investigators said the scheme generated tens of millions of dollars. After the conviction, Adriana Camberos was returned to federal prison.

Trump Issues Full Pardons

Last week, President Trump granted full pardons to both Adriana and Andres Camberos. The decision led to their immediate release from custody.

The White House later confirmed the move. Trump’s allies argued that the Camberos family had been unfairly targeted by federal prosecutors during the Biden administration.

Federal authorities have rejected that claim. They maintain that both cases involved deliberate and organized fraud.

Growing Debate Over Presidential Pardons

The decision has reignited debate over the use of presidential pardon powers. Legal experts say cases involving repeat offenders who receive multiple acts of clemency are rare in modern US history.

Critics argue the move weakens deterrence and accountability. Supporters say the president has broad constitutional authority and can act when he believes justice was not served.

As of now, the pardons are final and cannot be challenged in court.