Summary
Four individuals have been arrested and six people have been charged in a federal case involving identity theft, wire fraud, bank fraud, Social Security misuse, aggravated identity theft, and forced labor in Puerto Rico. Federal authorities allege that the group used stolen identities and fraudulent documents to obtain loans, credit lines, and other benefits worth more than $114,000.
Federal Indictment Alleges Fraud Using Stolen Identities
A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico returned a 21-count indictment charging six individuals in an alleged fraud scheme that involved identity theft and the use of false identification documents.
According to court documents, the defendants include Josué A. Marrero-Otero, Yesenia Marrero-Collazo, Anthony Marrero-Rosario, Vivian D. Marrero-Ginés, and José A. Vilorio-Figuereo. Authorities said four defendants were arrested, while Josué A. Marrero-Otero remains a fugitive. A sixth defendant has not been publicly identified.
Prosecutors allege that the group worked together to produce and transfer fraudulent documents, including Puerto Rico birth certificates, Social Security cards, and Puerto Rico driver’s licenses. Investigators claim these documents appeared to be legitimate government-issued records but were created without lawful authority.
Federal authorities allege that Anthony Marrero-Rosario produced false documents containing identifying information belonging to real people. The documents were then allegedly provided to Josué A. Marrero-Otero, who used them to apply for bank loans using stolen identities.
The indictment states that members of the group allegedly used false identities to obtain loans, lines of credit, and retail financing from multiple financial institutions. Authorities claim the scheme generated approximately $114,559.49 in money and property through fraudulent representations and applications.
Investigators also allege that José A. Vilorio-Figuereo knowingly mailed fraudulent identification documents from Puerto Rico to locations in the continental United States as part of the conspiracy.
Leonardo Ayala sentenced after helping move $5.5 million through fraudulent TD Bank accounts
Forced Labor Allegations and Ongoing Federal Investigation
One of the most serious allegations in the indictment involves claims of forced labor.
Federal prosecutors allege that from September 2023 through December 2023, Josué A. Marrero-Otero and Yesenia Marrero-Collazo forced a victim to participate in fraudulent activities through threats of physical violence. According to the indictment, the victim was compelled to submit false information and use fraudulent identification documents to obtain commercial credit and property for the benefit of the defendants.
Authorities also allege that Marrero-Otero, Marrero-Collazo, and Vivian D. Marrero-Ginés targeted vulnerable individuals and directed them to apply for loans and lines of credit using stolen identities. Investigators say these actions were intended to enrich members of the conspiracy rather than benefit the individuals involved.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the United States Secret Service.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow stated that financial fraud remains a major challenge for individuals and businesses across the country. Federal officials also noted that investigators believe there could be additional victims connected to the alleged scheme.
The defendants are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mariana Bauzá-Almonte in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, some charges carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison, while aggravated identity theft charges carry mandatory additional prison terms.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.