Executive Summary
- Mahmoud Almasry indicted on six counts including fraud and aggravated identity theft.
- Prosecutors allege Almasry entered the U.S. in 2016 using the identity of a deceased person.
- The defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted a 44-year-old man on charges of fraud and identity theft after he allegedly lived in the United States for nearly a decade using the identity of a deceased person.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania announced the six-count indictment against Mahmoud Almasry, also known as Mohammad Jiham, on Friday. According to federal prosecutors, Almasry is accused of fraudulently entering the country in 2016 by assuming another individual’s identity.
The indictment alleges that Almasry relied on multiple forms of identification belonging to the victim, who was already deceased at the time Almasry allegedly used the credentials to gain entry. Authorities state that he continued to utilize this false identity for approximately 10 years. If convicted on all counts, Almasry faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Legal Ramifications
The charges brought against the defendant involve serious violations of federal immigration and identity statutes. Aggravated identity theft, specifically under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, is a charge that carries significant weight in federal court, often requiring a mandatory consecutive prison term if a conviction is secured. This indictment reflects a continued focus by the Department of Justice on prosecuting individuals who allegedly manipulate visa systems and exploit the identities of others to circumvent border controls.
