Orlando, FL – A federal grand jury has indicted Yunier Perez-Bertemati, 40, on multiple charges, including access device fraud, possession and trafficking of unauthorized device-making equipment, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements on immigration applications and to a federal agent. If found guilty, Perez-Bertemati could face significant prison time: up to 10 years for each fraud charge, 15 years for device-making equipment offenses, 10 years for false statements on immigration applications, and 5 years for false statements to a federal agent. Additionally, he faces a mandatory 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $9,650, alleged to be proceeds from the criminal activities. Between November 2023 and January 2025, Perez-Bertemati is accused of selling counterfeit credit and debit cards containing stolen account information and distributing skimming devices. These devices, used at point-of-sale terminals like gas pumps and ATMs, capture credit or debit card information from unsuspecting victims.
Perez-Bertemati, a Cuban citizen, allegedly provided false information on his U.S. citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The operation leverages resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
An indictment is a formal accusation, and Perez-Bertemati is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.