A Mexican national has been indicted on federal charges of identity theft and social security fraud, according to an April 30 announcement by authorities in Albuquerque.
The case involves Maria de Jesus Avila-Hernandez, age 55, who is accused of using fraudulent immigration and identification documents as well as another person’s Social Security number to obtain bank accounts, vehicle financing, and consumer loans. Prosecutors say she was illegally present in the United States at the time of the alleged offenses.
According to the indictment, Avila-Hernandez knowingly possessed forged or unlawfully obtained documents—including a lawful permanent resident card and a Social Security card—in someone else’s name. She is also accused of misrepresenting that Social Security number for personal gain. The charges include fraud and misuse of a visa, social security fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Authorities said she will remain in custody pending trial; if convicted, she could face up to ten years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso made the announcement regarding the indictment. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amos Nam is prosecuting the case.
Officials remind that "a criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The Department of Justice recently announced on April 7 the creation of its National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute those who steal or misuse taxpayer dollars—a mission supporting President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
