Henry Edgardo Ortiz, Social Security Number Fraud, Louisiana 2024

Ortiz Sentenced for Social Security Number Fraud in New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana - Henry Edgardo Ortiz, a 44-year-old Honduran man, was sentenced to three years' probation for illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to court documents, Ortiz, using the name of another individual, applied for a Louisiana Identification Card, issued on May 4, 2018, at a Jefferson Parish Office of Motor Vehicles facility. He used the social security number of another individual, which the Social Security Administration confirmed had been issued to another individual in Puerto Rico.

In February 2022, Ortiz appeared at the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office to apply for a diversion status on an unrelated charge that he faced. When he presented a Honduran passport, in his own name, to the District Attorney’s office diversion department, they became suspicious and contacted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

After the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated Ortiz's Louisiana driver's license paperwork, his fraudulent use of a social security number was revealed.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Ortiz's case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of identification documents and social security numbers. This crime can have serious consequences, including identity theft and financial loss.

Mandatory Facts:

• Defendant/Respondent: Henry Edgardo Ortiz
• Criminal Charges: Illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B)
• City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Exact Date: February 22, 2024 (sentencing date)
• Sentence or Outcome: Three years' probation
• Dollar Amounts: None

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/honduran-man-sentenced-illegally-using-social-security-number