Man charged in fake ID operation
Posted: March 21, 2011 - 10:48pm


A monthlong joint operation between the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents resulted in the arrest of a Savannah man for selling a high volume of fraudulent U.S. identification cards in the area.

The agencies received information in February that a Hispanic man was possibly selling both fraudulent identification and narcotics around Chatham County.

In the process of the ensuing investigation, undercover CNT and ICE agents purchased the fraudulent identification cards from 34-year-old Juan Pablo Lara Gomez, said Gene Harley, CNT spokesman.

It was determined that Gomez was selling a large amount of the fraudulent identification cards to persons in the area, but, Harley said, agents were unable to establish evidence that he was involved in illegal narcotics.

Georgia State Patrol troops on March 15 arrested Gomez for driving under the influence and other traffic-related offenses.

CNT agents seized multiple fraudulent identification cards from the vehicle, Harley said.

Gomez was transported to the Chatham County jail where ICE agents placed a hold on him pending an investigation into his citizenship status.

CNT agents Monday charged Gomez with two counts each of sale of fraudulent identification and illegal use of a telecommunications device and one count of possession of fraudulent identification cards.

Gomez, Harley said, is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.

http://savannahnow.com/crime/2011-03-21 ... -operation