LEONARDO PARAMO-BARBAS, a 29-year-old Nicaraguan national, was sentenced on December 4, 2025, for the misuse of a social security number to obtain employment. The sentencing took place in New Orleans before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance. Paramo-Barbas had previously pleaded guilty to violating Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
The court imposed a sentence of time served and ordered Paramo-Barbas to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, Paramo-Barbas falsely claimed that a Social Security Number had been assigned to him in order to secure and maintain employment on July 20, 2022. The indictment stated that this action was done knowingly and with intent to deceive.
This prosecution is part of 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 Michael M. Simpson acknowledged the efforts of ICE Enforcement Removal Office and Homeland Security Investigations in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman from the General Crimes Unit prosecuted the matter.
"Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the ICE Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit."
