Cuban National Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Fraudulent Immigration Documents

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Chief United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced BARBARO PAEZ-PEREZ, age 48, to fourteen (14) months in federal prison and two years of supervised release following his conviction for possession of fraudulent immigration documents in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a).

PAEZ-PEREZ’s prosecution arose from an undercover operation conducted by the Baton Rouge Office of the United States Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations.  Acting on a tip that a box of fraudulent green cards and social security cards was to be delivered to an apartment in Denham Springs, Homeland Security agents arranged a controlled delivery of the package. Before the package could be delivered, the defendant left the apartment and was apprehended. In his possession was a fraudulent I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Identification Card, also known as a “green card.” 

In imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Jackson recited PAEZ-PEREZ’S significant criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, possession of cocaine, DUI, aggravated assault with a firearm, and criminal damage to property.  PAEZ-PEREZ, a citizen of Cuba, will also be subject to immigration proceedings after his release from federal incarceration.  

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “I commend the excellent work of the local Homeland Security agents and the prosecutor. This defendant is the third successful prosecution from this operation.  Enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws is an important priority of my office and we will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe and secure.”

The matter is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations.  The three prosecutions have been handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.