Honduran arrested for aggravated identity theft

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement arrested Elieser Aurelio Gomez-Zelaya, 33, an illegal alien from Honduras, March 31.

Gomez-Zelaya is charged by federal indictment in Florida with aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and false claim to U.S. citizenship. If convicted on all counts, the defendant faces a minimum penalty of two years, up to 12 years, in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Gomez-Zelaya misused the names and Social Security numbers of others and falsely claimed to be a United States citizens with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment.

“Identity theft is not a victimless crime, it undermines our immigration laws and poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “We are committed to working side-by-side with our federal, state and local partners in enforcing the law, and holding accountable those who exploit the system for personal gain.”

This case was investigated by ICE HSI Tampa, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.