Lawrence Woman Charged With Making False Statements on Naturalization Application

BOSTON – Francisca De La Cruz, a/k/a Francisca De La Cruz De Ramos, 50, was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with making false statements on her naturalization application.

According to the indictment unsealed today, when De La Cruz submitted an Application for Naturalization on Nov. 25, 2013, she omitted the fact that she had been arrested and criminally charged in 2006, and that when she was arrested, she identified herself to police as “Mercedes Abrue,” which was a false name.

The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised released, 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.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Weinreb’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.