Two men, who authorities said are “undocumented noncitizens” living in Phoenix, have been indicted after federal officials alleged they made fake identity documents, including Social Security cards.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona stated in a release that Jonathan De La Riva-Lorenzo, 46, and Fernando Minkes-Rodriguez, 48, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with production of identification documents and two counts of aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting.

The indictment alleges that De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez conspired, produced and possessed false identification documents that were made to appear to have been issued by the United States.

“De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez worked together to make fraudulent identity documents, including lawful permanent resident cards (‘green cards’), Social Security cards and state identification cards for undocumented noncitizens,” the release stated.

“De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez required their customers to provide their biographical information, along with a headshot, which was used in producing the documents.”

On May 14, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed federal search warrants at several locations in Arizona associated with De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez. Agents seized fraudulently made documents, as well as supplies to make fraudulent documents, such as industrial printers, laminate and ink cartridges.

In addition, multiple erroneous fraudulent identity documents were discovered in Minkes-Rodriguez’ garbage, authorities said.

A conviction for conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with production of identification documents carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

A conviction for aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. 

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