BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Nov. 21, 2012, Miguel Angel Torres, 27, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of false claim of U.S. citizenship.

Judge Hovland sentenced Torres to serve one year and one day in federal prison. On March 25, 2012, Torres was arrested by the Williston Police Department for driving under the influence. He was later charged with and convicted of theft of property in Williams County District Court.

When initially encountered by law enforcement, Torres claimed to be Sergio Lara, a U.S. citizen and presented a Texas identification card. The investigation revealed that the ID card was false and the U.S. Border Patrol was contacted. Further investigation revealed that Torres had completed an I-9 employment eligibility verification form in Williston, N.D., on March 7, 2012. On that form, Torres also claimed to be Sergio Lara, claimed to be a U.S. citizen, and presented a false social security number.

The case was investigated by the Williston Police Department, the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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