Illegal alien sentenced for stealing U.S. citizen’s identity

HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been sentenced for fraudulently using a passport and identification belonging to a U.S. citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Carlos Bedolla Sanchez pleaded guilty March 18.

U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Sanchez to serve 16 months for fraudulently using a passport and 24 months for using the identification of a U.S. citizen. The sentences will run consecutively. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that Sanchez was previously convicted for two felony drug charges under the U.S. citizen’s identity and received 12 months for violating his term of supervised release to be served concurrently. Not a U.S. citizen, Sanchez is expected to face removal proceedings following his 40-month-term of imprisonment.

In imposing the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the offense and that his previous penalties did not do enough good or make him repentant.

On May 19, 2022, Sanchez attempted to renew a passport he received in 2009 using the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico. As part of the scheme, he submitted passport applications using the victim’s name, Social Security number, date of birth and birthplace, and falsely certified that he was a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.

The investigation revealed Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification, including a passport.

He later admitted to making a false statement in the application and use of passport and aggravated identity theft.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.