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Rochester Man Accused of Identity Theft
A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to making a false statement on an immigration document, in a case that highlights the dangers of identity theft.
Tuffek Mohammed Ali Saleh, 41, a citizen and national of Yemen, made the false statement on his naturalization application, using the name Yehya Muthana Ali. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The defendant applied for U.S. Citizenship in April 2012, but during the processing of his application, it was determined that he had previously applied to enter the United States using a different identity, including a different name and date of birth.
During the investigation, officials from the Department of Homeland Security conducted an immigration interview with the defendant, in which he repeatedly denied ever using another name to try to enter the United States.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Mark Koss, and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Resident Special Agent in Charge, Andrew Wright.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2014, before Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The case highlights the importance of verifying identity and the consequences of attempting to deceive the system.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant’s actions were a serious breach of trust and a threat to national security.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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