I.C.E. News Release

July 12, 2010

4 Winston-Salem individuals arrested by ICE for document fraud-related charges

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Three males and one female, all citizens of Mexico, were arrested here on July 6, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for document fraud-related charges. The arrests are as a result of an investigation between ICE and the Alamance County Sheriff's Office.

According to the indictment, Juan Manuel Gonzalez-Sosa, 28, Pedro Gonzalez-Matias, 51, Jacaranda Gonzalez-Sosa, 24, and Pedro Gonzalez-Sosa, 21, all of Haw River in Alamance County, allegedly knowingly transferred false identification documents knowing the documents were produced without lawful authority. The false documents included immigration and social security cards and North Carolina driver's licenses.

The indictment further alleges that Juan Manuel Gonzalez-Sosa knowingly produced false identification documents; possessed document making implements designed and suited for making false identification documents and possessed with the intent to use unlawfully and transfer unlawfully five or more false identification documents.

Juan Manuel Gonzalez-Sosa is also facing criminal charges for illegally reentering the country after having been deported twice.

All four defendants had their initial appearance on July 7. A trial date has not yet been set.

The threat posed by document fraud is exemplified by the fact that at least seven of the 9/11 hijackers obtained genuine Virginia identity documents by submitting fraudulent Virginia residency certificates. Using these ID cards, the hijackers were able to clear airport security and board aircraft for the attacks.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

Last Modified: Monday, July 12, 2010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1007/100712winstonsalem.htm