Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national has been indicted for allegedly using another person's identity to pose as a U.S. citizen, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Cristina Amezcua Valencia, 53, who was residing illegally in San Benito, has been arrested and is scheduled for an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker on April 4.
A federal grand jury issued a three-count indictment on April 1, charging Amezcua with one count of false statement in an application for a U.S. passport, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of false claim to U.S. citizenship. The charges stem from allegations that Amezcua applied for a U.S. passport on September 25, 2018, under another individual's identity. It is also alleged that on May 18, 2023, she used the passport with the stolen details to enter the U.S. from Mexico.
If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years in prison for the false statement charge and up to three years for the false citizenship claim. Additionally, she would serve a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence for identity theft and might be fined up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service. Prosecutors for the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is merely a formal charge and does not constitute evidence. Amezcua is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
