PHOENIX – In a stunning turn of events, Jonathan De La Riva-Lorenzo, 46, and Fernando Minkes-Rodriguez, 48, both undocumented noncitizens, were indicted last week for their alleged role in a sophisticated fake ID operation. The pair was charged by a federal grand jury with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Production of Identification Documents and two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, Aiding and Abetting.
According to the indictment, De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez conspired to produce false identification documents, including green cards and social security cards. Customers were required to supply personal information and a photograph for use in the fraudulent documents. The duo’s operation was dismantled when Homeland Security Investigations executed federal search warrants on May 14, 2024, leading to the seizure of numerous fake IDs, printing equipment, and supplies.
During the raid, authorities found multiple erroneous fraudulent identity documents in Minkes-Rodriguez’ garbage. The charges against the defendants carry significant penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to commit fraud and mandatory consecutive sentences for aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is a formal charge that does not prove guilt; it merely initiates a legal process. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with the prosecution handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Shaw.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-1000-PHX-MTL | RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-078_De La Riva
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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