Department of Justice

[Chattanooga, TN] Shanna Dee Ramirez, age 36, of Manchester, Tennessee, was arrested yesterday in Manchester, on an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Chattanooga on March 24, 2009. The seven-count indictment charged her with conspiracy in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 371; aiding and abetting social security fraud in violation of Title 42, United States Code, §408(a)(7); aiding and abetting the use of false means of identification in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1028(a)(7); two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1028A(1); and, two counts of perjury before the grand jury in violation Title 18, United States Code, § 1623(a).

The indictment alleges that Ramirez, while working for Durrett Cheese Sales, Inc., in Manchester, conspired from October 26, 2007, and continuing thereafter, with others to harbor individuals present in the United States, in violation of federal immigration laws, to use false identification and to use social security numbers not assigned to those individuals. She allegedly hired aliens using others’ social security and alien registration numbers in order to conceal their illegal status. She also prepared documentation knowing that it contained false information. The indictment also alleges that she perjured herself in a July 22, 2008, appearance before the grand jury by falsely claiming not to know whether her boyfriend used fraudulent documents to get a job and whether he was an illegal alien.

If convicted on all counts, the defendant faces a total of 29 years in prison and $1.25 million in fines. The maximum penalty for each count of conspiracy, social security fraud, false means of identification, and perjury, is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The two aggravated identity theft charges are each two years in prison to be served consecutively to the social security fraud and false identification charges. The court may also order restitution to any victims of the fraud.

The defendant made her initial appearance today in front of United States Magistrate Judge William Carter. She was released on bond. Her trial date is scheduled in Chattanooga on June 1, 2009.

This investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) and the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary S. Humble represents the United States.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a form of accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

For additional information, please contact United States Attorney James R. “Russ” Dedrick at 865-545-4167; Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary S. Humble at 423-385-1304; or, Public Information Officer Sharry Dedman-Beard at 865-545-4167.