New Orleans, Louisiana – In a shocking case of identity theft, Rudy Gunawan, a 40-year-old citizen of Indonesia, has pleaded guilty to using a Social Security number to obtain employment in Louisiana.
According to court documents, Gunawan was in the United States illegally and was using a Social Security card bearing the name and number of another person.
On September 28, 2020, United States Customs and Border Protection agents encountered Gunawan at his place of employment, Samurai Sushi in Slidell, Louisiana.
An agent asked for identification, and Gunawan produced a U.S. Social Security card, claiming to be a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.
He admitted that he knew the U.S. Social Security card was falsely made and that he had obtained the card from an individual in Memphis, Tennessee for $700.
Gunawan also admitted that the name and number on the card were not lawfully issued to him and that he purchased the fraudulent documents in order to stay within the United States and work.
Gunawan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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 is in charge of the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News