Venezuelan National Arrested in El Paso for Alleged Misuse of Documents

EL PASO, Texas – A Venezuelan national was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents.

According to court documents, Alcides Jose Urrivari-Arape, was pulled over by an El Paso County Sherriff’s Office deputy Feb. 24. After the deputy requested U.S. Border Patrol assistance, Urrivari-Arape allegedly presented a fraudulent U.S. Social Security card to the USBP agent, claiming that the ID allowed him to remain in the country legally. He allegedly admitted to paying $690 for the false document.

If convicted, Urrivari-Arape faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The U.S. Border Patrol and El Paso County Sherriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Wang is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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