PHOENIX, Ariz. — Jonathan De La Riva-Lorenzo, 46, and Fernando Minkes-Rodriguez, 48, both undocumented noncitizens residing in Phoenix, were indicted June 11 by a federal grand jury in Phoenix. Each was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with production of identification documents and two counts of aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.
The indictment alleges that De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez conspired, produced and possessed false identification documents that were made to appear to have been issued by the United States.
De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez worked together to make fraudulent identity documents, including lawful permanent resident cards, Social Security cards and state identification cards for undocumented noncitizens. De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez required their customers to provide their biographical information, along with a headshot, which was used in producing the documents.
On May 14, special agents with HSI executed federal search warrants at several locations in Arizona associated with De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez. Agents seized a multitude of fraudulently made documents, as well as supplies to make fraudulent documents, such as industrial printers, laminate and ink cartridges. Additionally, multiple erroneous fraudulent identity documents were discovered in Minkes-Rodriguez’ garbage.
A conviction for conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with production of identification documents carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. A conviction for aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Shaw for the District of Arizona in Phoenix are handling the prosecution.