United States Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced charges against Cesar Alvarez-Espinal, a 31-year-old Honduran national. On December 6, 2024, Alvarez-Espinal was charged in a bill of information for the illegal use of a social security number to gain employment. This action is considered a violation under Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
Court documents indicate that on or around November 13, 2024, within the Eastern District of Louisiana, Alvarez-Espinal used a social security number that was not assigned to him.
If convicted, Alvarez-Espinal could face up to five years in prison. The penalties also include up to three years of supervised release and a fine reaching $250,000. Additionally, there is a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that "a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri from the General Crimes Unit will handle the prosecution.