Miami jury convicts child abuser of naturalization fraud

MIAMI, Fla. — A federal jury found a Miami man guilty of naturalization fraud after he knowingly provided false statements under oath based on a previous conviction as a child abuser following an Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami investigation.

Orlando Chavez, 43, a naturalized citizen of the United States born in Cuba and convicted child molester, was found guilty of naturalization fraud and using a fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate.

“Fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship by deceitful declarations under oath tarnishes the sanctity of the naturalization process and undermines the very foundation of trust and integrity upon which citizenship stands,” said ERO Miami Field Office Director Garrett J. Ripa. “Under Operation False Haven, immigration officers diligently track down and prosecute criminals who have concealed their heinous crimes, including child molestation. Our officers’ unwavering dedication ensures that these predators are held accountable, safeguarding our communities and protecting our most vulnerable.”

According to testimony and evidence presented during the two-day trial, Chavez submitted an application for naturalization to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on July 14, 2017. On his application, under penalty of perjury, Chavez falsely responded “No” to two questions: “Were you EVER involved in any way with any of the following: Forcing or trying to force, someone to have any kind of sexual conduct or relations?” and “Have you EVER committed, assisted in committing, or attempted to commit, a crime or offense of which you were not arrested?” On April 19, 2018, Chavez was interviewed by a USCIS officer and provided the same responses to the same questions while under oath and penalty of perjury.

In a ceremony on April 30, 2018, Chavez took the oath of allegiance and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen. On May 19, 2018, Chavez used his fraudulently obtained naturalization certificate as proof of United States citizenship to apply for a passport from the U.S. Department of State.

In October 2019, Chavez was convicted of two counts of child abuse for conduct against a minor victim under 12 years of age between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and five years of probation and was ordered to complete a sex offender treatment program. Chavez was not arrested for these offenses until after he was naturalized.

Chavez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, as well as the automatic revocation of his U.S. citizenship. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Chief Council Melissa Roca Shaw and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yisel Valdes prosecuted the case.

ERO Miami officers initiated the investigation as part of an ongoing initiative designed to target child molesters and other egregious felons who were convicted after naturalizing for offenses they committed and concealed during the naturalization process. The operation has successfully produced criminal and civil cases against defendants convicted of serial rape, child molestation, incest, sodomy, child sexual abuse material, kidnapping, sex trafficking, murder, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, tax fraud, pill mill prescription fraud, embezzlement, aggravated identity theft and elder abuse.

For more news and information on how ERO Miami carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROMiami.