Strike force nabs 15 undocumented immigrants in identity fraud crackdown

By Pamela Manson
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 02/26/2010 05:00:04 PM MST

A strike force aimed at stopping crime by undocumented immigrants has arrested 15 suspects in the past two months and brought dozens of identity theft-related charges against them.

Members of SECURE -- established last summer to target identity theft, human trafficking, drug trafficking and violent crimes -- said at a Friday news conference that the enforcement actions are making Utah safer for everyone.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies has been essential in making the team a success.

The arrests were made on Thursday, Feb. 9 and Jan. 5 as part of an effort to eradicate document mills that create fake driver licenses, Social Security cards and other fraudulent documents.

Many of the defendants are being held on charges involving identity fraud, such as forgery. Other charges include robbery and racketeering. At least three are being held by immigration officials for deportation.

The strike force used $891,000 in federal stimulus money to hire and train its staff.

pmanson@sltrib.com

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14477391