Lawrence Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements on Naturalization Application

BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making false statements on her naturalization application.

Francisca De La Cruz, 50, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year of probation, during which she must complete 200 hours of community service. In May 2018, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in an immigration document.

On Nov. 25, 2013, De La Cruz submitted an Application for Naturalization in which 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.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.