A 19-year-old Honduran man has been sentenced to time served for using a stolen Social Security number to obtain employment in Louisiana.
Oliver Martinez-Castro, a native of Honduras, submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application on June 14, 2019, to work for a local company. He attested that he was someone else and a United States citizen, using a fraudulent Social Security card in the name of the other person, which contained the person’s actual Social Security number as verification.
The suspect was required to take a safety course at another location on June 18, 2019, where he again provided the fraudulent Social Security card as proof of his identity. However, an employee suspected the card was fake and alerted Customs and Border Protection.
Subsequent record checks confirmed Martinez-Castro’s real identity as well as the fact that he was in the country illegally.
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri handled the prosecution.
Martinez-Castro was sentenced to time served (2 months of imprisonment) and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in verifying employees’ identities and preventing identity theft.
Related Federal Cases
- Angel Lara-Merida, Identity Theft, Kenner LA, 2023 · Alabama
- Michaelle Martinez, Theft of Government Funds, LA, 2023 · Texas
- Darnell Crutcher, Bank Fraud and Identity Theft, GA 2023 · Florida
- Bob G. Dean Jr., Neglect of Nursing Home Residents, Louisiana, 2023 · Texas
- Janet Smith, Mail Fraud, Louisiana, 2023 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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