Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Mexican national has been sentenced to two years and one day in federal prison for stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen to conceal his unlawful presence and obtain fraudulent documents. Alfredo Mendoza Montero, 45, pleaded guilty to charges of passport fraud, false impersonation of a citizen, and aggravated identity theft in the Northern District of Florida. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin.
Accountability for Identity Theft
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the accountability for such crimes, stating, “Thanks to the investigative work of our incredible federal law enforcement partners, this criminal illegal alien will be held accountable for stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen that he used to conceal his unlawful presence in our country.” He added that prison and swift removal await Montero, serving as a warning against immigration law violations.
Montero’s Scheme
Court documents reveal Montero illegally entered the United States in 2019. He subsequently purchased identification documents belonging to a real American citizen. Using these stolen credentials, Montero fraudulently applied for a United States passport in 2022 and obtained a Florida driver’s license in 2023. He lived under this assumed identity in the Pensacola area until his arrest by federal authorities.
Agency Statements on the Case
Diplomatic Security Service
Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McSeveney of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Miami Field Office highlighted the importance of their mission. “Safeguarding U.S. passports and visas is critical to the Diplomatic Security Service mission and supporting President Trump’s goal to make America safer,” McSeveney stated. He reiterated the commitment to prosecuting those who misuse U.S. travel documents for fraud and criminal activity.
Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General
Acting Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson of the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General underscored the severity of identity theft. “This sentencing highlights the seriousness of identity theft, and the extent individuals will go to falsely claim U.S. citizenship to obtain government credentials,” Anderson said. She noted that the investigation helped uncover the true victim, a U.S. citizen in Puerto Rico, whose identity was misused.
Homeland Security Investigations
Nicholas Ingegno, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee, described identity theft as a grave offense. “Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating, long-lasting effects on the lives of its victims,” Ingegno commented. He stressed that it is not a victimless crime, causing emotional distress, financial instability, and legal complications that can take years to resolve. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. identification systems and safeguarding American citizens’ personal information.
Investigation and Prosecution
The sentence resulted from a collaborative investigation involving the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.
Key Takeaways
The sentencing of Alfredo Mendoza Montero reinforces the federal government’s firm stance against identity theft and immigration fraud. Authorities from multiple agencies collaborated to ensure accountability for those who exploit U.S. citizens’ identities and national security systems. This case serves as a clear warning that such violations will be met with severe legal consequences.
