Tucson sex offender indicted for naturalization fraud following ICE Arizona investigation

TUCSON, Ariz. — A man arrested for child sexual abuse was indicted for naturalization fraud by a federal grand jury in Tucson March 18, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to the indictment, Juan Antonio Ruiz, 47, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in June 2015. The indictment alleges that Ruiz, during his citizenship process, falsely answered “no” to questions about any crimes he had committed but had not been arrested for.

In May 2018, Ruiz was arrested for sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 and attempted child molestation — crimes he allegedly committed between September 2003 and January 2008, prior to his naturalization. He pleaded guilty to those charges in 2021.

If convicted, Ruiz faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, loss of citizenship and cancellation of his naturalization certificate.

An indictment contains only allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix is handling the prosecution.