Mexican National Charged with Possessing and Selling False Identification Documents

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment today against Fernando Hernandez-Hernandez, 58, a Mexican citizen residing in Fresno, charging him with production and sales of false identification documents, possession of document‑making implements with intent to make false identification documents, fraud and misuse of visas and related documents, and being a previously deported alien found in the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, in March and May 2018, Hernandez-Hernandez manufactured and sold false identification documents to buyers. He is also charged with possessing document-making implements primarily used to manufacture the false identification documents. These documents included social security cards and lawful permanent resident “green” cards. Hernandez‑Hernandez is also charged with being found in the United States following a prior deportation.

This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Hernandez-Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.