Princehakeem Awolesi, Naturalization, Passport, and Social Security Fraud, Massachusetts 2015

A Lynn man has been accused of committing one of the most egregious forms of identity theft – obtaining US citizenship by deception.

Princehakeem Awolesi, a 35-year-old resident of Lynn, Massachusetts, was arrested on August 4, 2015 in connection with the indictment filed against him. He faces one count of illegally obtaining US citizenship, two counts of making false statements in a passport application, two counts of using a passport that had been issued by reason of false statements, and one count of using a falsely obtained social security account number.

The indictment alleges that Awolesi made false statements in connection with his application for naturalization, concealing his past use of different names, a prior criminal conviction, and a previous application for relief from removal. He also allegedly falsely stated that he had never given false information to any government official while applying for any immigration benefit or to prevent deportation, exclusion, or removal.

Awolesi is also accused of making false statements on two applications for US passports, and later using those passports. The indictment also charges him with using a social security number that was obtained on the basis of false information.

The charges of illegally obtaining US citizenship and passport fraud provide a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Awolesi may also be stripped of United States citizenship. The charge of using a falsely obtained social security account number provides for a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; David W. Hall, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Boston Field Office; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement.

Awolesi’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity of the naturalization process and the consequences of committing identity theft. The Lynn man’s alleged actions have put him at risk of losing his citizenship and facing a lengthy prison sentence.

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