Theresa Wood, Passport Application Fraud, Louisiana 2021

NEW ORLEANS – A local woman has been charged with lying on a passport application, a serious offense that can land her in prison for up to 10 years.

Theresa Wood pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a passport application, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment cost.

According to court documents, Wood made an application for a U.S. passport for her minor child using information belonging to another individual. The application would then be submitted to the State Department.

Wood convinced a co-worker, who resembled the father of her minor child, to fraudulently claim to be the father at the signing of the application before a notary.

U.S. Attorney Duane Evans praised the work of the United States Diplomatic Security Service of the State Department in investigating this matter.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

Wood is set to be sentenced on November 18, 2021, where she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment cost.

Wood’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the integrity of the passport application process. The fact that she convinced someone else to lie on her behalf only adds to the seriousness of the offense.

The case highlights the importance of ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of passport applications. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those who attempt to manipulate the system.

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