Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Maria Victoria Borja-Avila, a 47-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, falsely representing U.S. citizenship, and making a false statement in a passport application. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “This illegal alien tried to lie, cheat, and steal her way into unlawfully remaining in the U.S., but thanks to the investigative work of our federal law enforcement partners she’ll now face the consequences of breaking our laws. This successful prosecution is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by robustly enforcing our immigration laws.”
According to court documents, Borja-Avila applied for a U.S. passport at the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s Office in August 2023 using someone else’s identity and unlawfully possessed documents. The application was denied after fraud indicators were detected during processing. Further investigation revealed that Borja-Avila was unlawfully present in the United States.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McSeveney of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office commented: “The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to protecting the integrity of the U.S. passport and bringing to justice those who seek to exploit the U.S. travel system,” he said. “Our special agents work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to detect and stop fraud when criminals attempt to unlawfully obtain and use passports. DSS continues to play a critical role in the United States’ efforts to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration."
The case resulted from an investigation led by DSS and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety across the country.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under direction from the Attorney General; more information can be found on their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
