ALBERTO JOSE ZAPATA MOREL, age 37, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for unlawful transfer of identification documents, possession of document-making implements, and illegal reentry of a removed alien, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to court documents, on or about April 27, 2012, MOREL knowingly transferred a counterfeit Social Security card and a counterfeit Permanent Resident Card, knowing that such documents were produced without lawful authority, and the false identification documents appear to have been issued by or under the authority of the United States. It is also alleged that MOREL knowingly produced and possessed document-making implements, with intent that the document-making implements would be used to produce false identification documents. Additionally, MOREL is charged with being an alien who was found in the United States after previously being removed, and he reentered the United States without permission from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security.

If convicted, MOREL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of sixty-five (65) years, a fine of one million dollars and twelve (12) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. MOREL is subject to a sentencing enhancement if he is convicted of illegal reentry because he was previously convicted on an aggravated felony offense.

U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir.

 

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