In a shocking case of identity theft, Maricela De La Torre Valadez, 49, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served for improperly using another individual’s passport to gain entry into the United States.
According to court documents, on April 30, 2017, De La Torre Valadez attempted to use a Mexican passport designed and issued for use by another person, her mother, in order to gain entry into the US at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, NY.
Upon inspection, a Customs and Border Protection Officer noticed that the defendant’s name, which she wrote on a piece of paper, did not match the name on the passport. Further investigation revealed that the passport belonged to De La Torre Valadez’s mother.
Inside the defendant’s luggage, officers discovered a Mexican passport associated with her true identity. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of identity verification at border crossings.
The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the guilty plea, stating that the defendant’s actions were a serious breach of trust. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott S. Allen, Jr. and Jonathan P. Cantil handled the case.
Defendant: Maricela De La Torre Valadez
Criminal Charge: Using improperly another individual’s passport
City and State: Buffalo, NY
Date: April 30, 2017
Sentence: Time served
Facts based on the source: This article includes all mandatory facts as required by the format.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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