Man Faces 24 Years in Prison for Lying on Employment Application Near Fort Myers

Many people in Fort Myers would do just about anything to land a decent-paying job. However, applicants should be careful not to lie to potential employers, especially if these mistruths involve legal status. A recent case involving identity theft and fraud shows that those who lie during job applications could face decades in prison. If you face similar charges, consider speaking with a white-collar crime defense lawyer in Fort Myers.

Man Arrested After Lying Twice on Job Application

According to the Justice Department, the defendant in question faces two counts of making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes, two counts of falsely representing a Social Security number, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. These charges stem from two separate, fraudulent job applications in Florida.

The case revolves around the “E-Verify” system, a common method used to confirm the legal status of potential employees. The defendant in this case is an unlawful resident from Honduras who applied for a job using E-Verify in 2021. When applying, the defendant falsely stated that he was a US citizen and used another person’s identification to circumvent the E-Verify system.

One year later, the defendant tried to apply for a job a second time after being terminated. This time, he purchased someone else’s identification and used it without their knowledge. Once again, he falsely identified himself as a US citizen.

Although “cheating the system” in this manner might seem like a relatively innocent offense, it is important to recognize that under US law, this actually constituted three separate offenses. This is why the defendant now faces a staggering 24 years in prison after being convicted by a federal jury in Florida.

What Is the Penalty for Falsely Claiming US Citizenship for Employment Purposes?

People often forget that falsely claiming US citizenship can be a criminal offense in the United States. Federal law states that if you attempt to do this, you could face prison time. You might also become permanently inadmissible into the United States. Perhaps most notably for many defendants, this offense can also easily result in deportation.

As the aforementioned case indicates, these kinds of offenses can also lead to fraud charges. Fraud is a serious offense in the United States, and it could potentially lead to decades in prison. With all that said, certain defense strategies could be possible for defendants who choose to work with experienced white-collar crime defense attorneys.

Can a Fort Myers White-Collar Crime Defense Attorney Help Me?

A Fort Myers white-collar crime defense attorney may be able to help if you face charges after an allegedly fraudulent job application. Although the authorities may have accused you of lying on your job application, this may all be a simple misunderstanding. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today to learn more about the next potential steps in your legal defense.

Sources: 

justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jury-convicts-honduran-national-aggravated-identity-theft-and-associated-fraud-charges

uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-k-chapter-3