Gerard Ibarra, Counterfeit ID Trafficking, Florida 2017

Orlando, Florida – Gerard Ibarra, 57, a Mexican national, has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. The court also ordered him to forfeit $5,752, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ibarra pleaded guilty on September 25, 2017.

According to court documents, in May 2017, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from local law enforcement about an individual known as “Perfume Cuco” (later determined to be Ibarra) who was selling fraudulent identification documents to illegal immigrants in Kissimmee. These documents were being sold for $150 to $200 a piece, and included immigrant visas (i.e., “Green Cards”), social security cards, and Florida driver licenses.

Agents from HSI and the USSS conducted an undercover investigation during which Ibarra sold a counterfeit Green Card and a counterfeit social security card to an undercover agent. Ibarra was arrested on August 16, 2017, following a second undercover purchase. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed 10 counterfeit Green Cards, 21 counterfeit social security cards, a counterfeit California driver license and $5,752 in cash. Ibarra later told agents that he had been selling counterfeit cards for about two years and that “business was good.” He estimated that he had sold approximately 2,000 cards.

Further investigation revealed that an individual named “Jimmy,” later identified as Jaime Gaspar (37, Kissimmee), had been supplying the counterfeit cards to Ibarra. On March 7, 2018, Gaspar was arrested and charged by criminal complaint for his involvement in the scheme.

“HSI places a high priority on investigating document and benefit fraud,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This crime poses a threat to national security and public safety because it creates a vulnerability that may enable criminals and illegal aliens to gain entry to and remain in the United States.”

Defendant Information: Gerard Ibarra, Mexican national, 57, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Documents. Sentencing Date: September 25, 2017. Sentence: 10 months in federal prison. Forfeiture: $5,752.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-trafficking-counterfeit-identity-documents-and-alleged-document