Eighteen individuals have been charged following an investigation into immigration-related identity theft. The multi-agency operation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and focused on cases of aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and false statements regarding citizenship to unlawfully engage in employment. Those convicted face penalties ranging from two to twelve years in federal prison.
An array of indictments and legal proceedings have been announced. For instance, Luvin Daniel Hernandez Amador, Elvin Donahel Hernandez Amador, and Elmer Modesto Amador, all from Honduras, have been indicted, alongside others such as Sindi Yamileth Mejia Avila from Guatemala, and Juan Resendiz Ledesma from Mexico. While some, like Erlin Maradiaga-Flores, have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced, other defendants have upcoming trials or are awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa in coordination with multiple agencies including the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Border Patrol. Cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karyna Valdes and Christopher F. Murray, alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
