Identity Thief Sentenced to Prison in Iowa
A 21-year-old Guatemalan man was sentenced to prison for using false identification documents to obtain a job in Iowa.
Melvin Caguach-Samol, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and living in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 9, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.
Caguach-Samol admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed an employment form on May 10, 2018, at a business in Independence, Iowa.
The Social Security number and the Alien Registration number on the “green card” were issued to other persons.
Caguach-Samol was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 72 days’ imprisonment.
He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Caguach-Samol is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Caguach-Samol’s use of false identification documents to obtain employment is a serious crime that can have severe consequences.
It is essential for employers to verify the identity and immigration status of their employees to prevent this type of fraud.
Caguach-Samol’s sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of immigration law enforcement and the consequences of breaking the law.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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