Syteria Hephzibah, Passport Fraud, Florida 2016

Convicted of Passport Fraud: Syteria Hephzibah

A federal jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Syteria Hephzibah (62, Jacksonville), a woman accused of making a false statement on a passport application.

According to the indictment, Hephzibah submitted a passport application at a Putnam County Clerk's Office under the name 'Highly Favored Shekinah El.' To establish her identity in that name, she submitted a document that appeared to be a 'Diplomat – Nationality Identification Card' and a name change document that appeared to have been issued by a court or other governmental body.

Hephzibah signed the passport application under a declaration that she had not made false statements or submitted false documents in support of the application, despite the documents being fabricated.

The case was investigated by the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier is prosecuting the case.

Hephzibah faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 15, 2016. The indictment against her was issued on February 18, 2015.

This is a serious offense that compromises the integrity of the passport application process. The Diplomatic Security Service will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to defraud the system.

Defendant: Syteria Hephzibah

Criminal Charges: Making a false statement on a passport application

City and State: Jacksonville, Florida

Date: The indictment was issued on February 18, 2015, and the sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2016

Sentence: Hephzibah faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison

Conclusion: The conviction of Syteria Hephzibah serves as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to defraud the passport application process. The Diplomatic Security Service will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the system.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/federal-jury-convicts-jacksonville-woman-passport-fraud