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California Man Charged with Passport Fraud and Identity Theft
A federal grand jury has indicted Marco Antonio Lara-Gomez, 27, of Suisun City, California, on two serious charges: making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport and using a false Social Security number. United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced the indictment.
Lara-Gomez, a Mexican national, allegedly used an identity theft victim’s name and birth certificate to apply for a U.S. passport in 2007. He received the passport and used it to travel to and from Mexico. Furthermore, Lara-Gomez used the same victim’s identity, including his social security number, to apply for and receive unemployment insurance benefits between 2010 and 2014.
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and California’s Employment Development Department, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Nirav Desai is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lara-Gomez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The charges against Lara-Gomez are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to court documents, Lara-Gomez’s arrest and indictment are a significant step in holding him accountable for his alleged crimes. This case highlights the importance of protecting U.S. citizens’ identities and preventing identity theft. The U.S. government will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in such activities.
The indictment against Marco Antonio Lara-Gomez is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat identity theft and passport fraud. The U.S. government is committed to protecting its citizens and maintaining the integrity of its systems.
Lara-Gomez is currently facing serious charges that could result in significant prison time and a substantial fine. The outcome of his case will be determined by the court after a full and fair trial.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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