Thread: CA-Bakersfield man indicted in immigration ID fraud case

Bakersfield man indicted in immigration ID fraud case

Last Update: 5/21 8:03 pm



A local man has been indicted on charges he ran a green-card forgery factory at his south Bakersfield home. A federal grand jury charged Ramiro Briseno-Lopez, 37, with possession, transfer, production, and sale of fraudulent United States immigration and Social Security identification.

He was arrested at his home on Silver Maple Court, near Panama Lane and Highway 99, on May 7. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles searched his house that day and said they found computers, printers, laminators and cameras.

''According to documents filed in court, Briseno-Lopez would meet prospective purchasers in public locations, take their pictures and biographical details, return to his own residence to produce the documents, and then provide the purchaser with the fraudulent documents,'' according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

That kind of forgery is not just an immigration crime, said Michael Toms, resident agent in charge for the ICE Office of Investigations in Bakersfield. It can be a danger to national security.

“Counterfeit documents can potentially be used by dangerous criminals and others who are attempting to obscure their identities and cover their tracks,â€

Throw the BOOK at this guy!

I.C.E. News Release

May 21, 2009

Bakersfield man charged with producing phony identify documents

FRESNO, Calif. - A Bakersfield, Calif., man will be arraigned in federal court tomorrow following his indictment by a federal grand jury on charges stemming from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into allegations he produced and sold counterfeit identity documents.

Ramiro Briseno-Lopez, aka Johnny, 38, is accused in a multi-count indictment of possessing, transferring, producing and selling fraudulent immigration and identification documents, including Social Security cards and alien registration receipt cards, commonly known as "green cards."

According to court documents filed in the case, Briseno-Lopez met prospective buyers in public locations, took their pictures and biographical information and then returned to his residence to produce the documents. ICE agents executed a federal search warrant at the defendant's home earlier this month where they recovered a variety of document counterfeiting supplies and equipment, including a computer and laminating machine.

"Anyone who knowingly and indiscriminately sells phony identity cards is putting the security of our communities and even our country at risk," said Michael Toms, resident agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Bakersfield. "Counterfeit documents can potentially be used by dangerous criminals and others who are attempting to obscure their identities and cover their tracks."

If convicted, Breseno-Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 26, 2009
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0905/090521fresno.htm

If convicted, Breseno-Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Without parole would be GOOD!