Lawrence Man Charged with Identity Theft

BOSTON – A Lawrence man was arraigned yesterday in federal court in Boston on charges related to identity theft.

Kelny Andujar, a/k/a Kelny Alberto Andujar Pinales, 36, was indicted on one count of passport fraud, one count of misusing a Social Security number, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The crimes allegedly occurred in 2016.

The charging statute for aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of passport fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised released, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.