A Colombian man living illegally in Houston was detained after impersonating a US citizen for over 9 years.
Javier Nunez Suarez, 39, faces charges of theft of government funds, false representation of a US citizen, and aggravated identity theft.
Identity theft arrest
Suarez’s indictment states he unlawfully sought for and received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration in February 2016 while impersonating a US citizen.
Suarez allegedly qualified for Medicaid benefits.
According to the accusation, he collected $588,000 until his arrest.
Suarez’s case will be heard at Federal Court.
Suarez could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 if found guilty.
He might also face a two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft, which would have to be served consecutively.