U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended Elieser Aurelio Gomez-Zelaya, 33, a Honduran national, in Tampa, Florida. Gomez-Zelaya faces charges including aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and false claim to U.S. citizenship following a federal indictment. If found guilty, he may receive a penalty ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of 12 years in federal prison.
The indictment alleges that Gomez-Zelaya misused personal information, including names and Social Security numbers, and deceitfully identified himself as a U.S. citizen to unlawfully secure employment.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs emphasized the severity of identity theft, stating, "Identity theft is not a victimless crime, it undermines our immigration laws and poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities." He reiterated their commitment to collaboration with various governmental bodies to hold accountable those who manipulate the system for personal benefit.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including ICE HSI Tampa, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray is set to prosecute the case.
