A Nicaraguan national has pleaded guilty to the misuse of a social security number in federal court in New Orleans. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Leonardo Paramo-Barbas, 29, entered his plea on August 13, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
Paramo-Barbas could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He is also subject to a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The indictment states that on July 20, 2022, Paramo-Barbas used a social security number not assigned to him in order to obtain and maintain employment.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration and targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson commended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on the case. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit prosecuted the matter.
