Related Federal Cases
Tampa Man Charged With Lying to Become US Citizen
A Tampa man has been arrested and charged with making false statements during his naturalization process, authorities announced yesterday.
Georges Jean-Philippe, 48, also known as Benedique Jean-Philippe, was arrested at his home in Tampa by special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI).
According to an indictment, Jean-Philippe, a citizen of Haiti, made false statements in his application for naturalization to become a United States citizen. He falsely withheld information that he had previously been ordered deported from the United States under a different name.
As a result of those falsehoods, Jean-Philippe illegally obtained United States citizenship in 2008 under a name different from the one he used in his initial dealings with U.S. immigration authorities in 2002.
United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announced the arrest and unsealing of the federal indictment charging Jean-Philippe with making false statements in connection with his naturalization application.
United States Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli ordered Jean-Philippe detained and held without bond, citing the seriousness of the offense.
The case was investigated by ICE HSI and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Georges Jean-Philippe is expected to face serious consequences for his actions, as lying to become a US citizen is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including loss of citizenship and imprisonment.
RELATED: Plant City Glock Switch Dealer Faces 75 Years
RELATED: Plant City Glock Switch Dealer Faces 75 Years
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
ðŸâ€â€™ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime