Press Releases
FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS TWO MEN WITH CHARGES OF IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT FRAUD
June 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANCISCO ANTONIO ZUNEN-MORALES, age 22, a resident of New Orleans, and BENY CORTEZ-PEREZ, age 28, a resident of Chalmette, were charged in a six-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, authentication features, and information announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the indictment, on three separate occasions, January 17, 2008, February 1, 2008, April 3, 2008, FRANCISCO ANTONIO ZUNEN-MORALES and BENY CORTEZ-PEREZ transferred false Social Security identification cards, knowing that the documents were stolen and produced without lawful authority. The indictment additionally charges the defendants with issuing alien registration receipt cards which the defendants knew to be forged, counterfeited, altered, and falsely made.
If convicted, FRANCISCO ANTONIO ZUNEN-MORALES and BENY CORTEZ-PEREZ, face a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Andre’ Jones.
)
