3 arrested in Lee County counterfeit immigration documents case



2:13 PM, May. 13, 2011 |
3Comments

Multi-agency investigation has culminated in the arrest of three people for manufacturing counterfeit immigration documents.


The following were arrested and charged:

Santos Hernandez, 34, of 323 Carol Drive, Fort Myers, charged with fraud and sale/manufacture of stolen ID.

Juan Martinez, 28, of 323 Carol Drive, Fort Myers, charged with fraud and sale/manufacture of stolen ID.


Santos Flores, 57, of 323 Carol Drive, Fort Myers, charged with fraud.


According to a news release, on Thursday search warrants were executed at 323 Carol Drive and 4224 Ballard Road (both in Fort Myers) by members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Unit, United States Secret Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Cape Coral Police Department. The warrants were based on a six month investigation titled "Operation Fake ID." The operation targeted the manufacturing of counterfeit immigration documents including Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, passports and resident alien cards.


The investigation revealed the house at 4224 Ballard Road was the "ordering" house and the house located at 323 Carol Drive was the location where the fraudulent documents were being produced.


Evidence seized during the search included computer systems and printers used to manufacture counterfeit documents, numerous counterfeit documents, ink pads/cutting boards and blank social security cards.


Detectives call it one of the largest counterfeiting busts in Lee County and say the operation had been in business for nearly five years.

www.news-press.com