URBANA, Ill. – The grimy streets of Champaign witnessed a high-stakes legal confrontation as Miguel Valencia-Sandoval and Salvador Garcia-Luna faced federal charges for their alleged roles in identity theft and fraudulent claims of citizenship.
Valencia-Sandoval, 33, is accused of using another’s identity to falsely claim U.S. citizenship on a passport application and voting while he was an illegal alien. His saga began when he attempted to enter the U.S. illegally from Mexico and has escalated to today’s charges, which also include three misdemeanor counts of illegal voting.
Garcia-Luna, 27, faces similar allegations, including using another’s identity on a passport application and possessing a firearm while being an illegal alien. His charges are a stark reminder that crime does not take holidays.
The investigation into these crimes was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, with support from the Champaign County Street Crimes Unit and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Freres is tasked with prosecuting both cases, which carry serious penalties if convicted: up to 10 years for making false statements in a passport application, at least two years for aggravated identity theft, and up to five years for voting as an illegal alien.
These are grave charges that underscore the gravity of their actions. Indictments are merely accusations, but they serve as a stern warning that such criminal activities will not be tolerated in our great nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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