Francisca De La Cruz, Making False Statements, Massachusetts 2018

A Lawrence woman has been sentenced for making false statements on her naturalization application, a crime that could have far-reaching implications for her and her community.

Francisca De La Cruz, 50, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year of probation, during which she must complete 200 hours of community service. The sentencing comes after De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in an immigration document in May 2018.

On Nov. 25, 2013, De La Cruz submitted an Application for Naturalization in which she omitted the fact that she had been arrested and criminally charged in 2006, and that when she was arrested, she identified herself to police as ‘Mercedes Abrue,’ which was a false name.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, De La Cruz’s false statements on her naturalization application could have prevented her from being approved for U.S. citizenship, and could have also put her and others at risk of deportation.

The sentencing of De La Cruz serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and accuracy in immigration applications. The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges all individuals seeking to become U.S. citizens to be truthful and transparent in their applications.

De La Cruz’s case highlights the need for vigilance and scrutiny in the naturalization process. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to ensure that individuals seeking to become U.S. citizens are held accountable for any false statements or omissions in their applications.

The case against De La Cruz was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, and announced by United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/lawrence-woman-sentenced-making-false-statements-naturalization-application