A Colombian national has been indicted on charges ranging from voter fraud to identity theft. Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, currently in federal custody since February, has had her stay in the U.S. under scrutiny after a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against her, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. The allegations suggest that Orovio-Hernandez, while living under a stolen identity for over two decades, engaged in defrauding government programs and participating in illegal voting.
The charges against Orovio-Hernandez are significant and include making false statements in passport applications and fraudulently obtaining federal benefits such as rental assistance, Social Security disability benefits, and food stamps, totaling approximately $400,000. Notably, the defendant wore an "I Voted" sticker when footage from an ATM allegedly captured her on Nov. 5, 2024. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, this case represents a serious violation of the systems in place to support lawful residents in need.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized the impact of such crimes on public trust and fairness. "For more than 20 years, this defendant is alleged to have built an entire life on the foundation of a stolen identity – including illegally voting in our presidential election and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits intended for Americans in need," Foley stated in a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. An indictment like this stands as a stark reminder of how such acts can threaten the integrity of fundamental societal benefits and the electoral process.
There is a commitment from various federal agencies, as demonstrated by the coordination in this investigation. The Diplomatic Security Service, Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General, and Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General, among others, have pooled their efforts to address the multifaceted nature of Orovio-Hernandez's alleged fraud, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Shawn Rice, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on the stolen housing funds that are meant to support the most vulnerable, commented, "These critical housing funds support the most vulnerable populations, including families with very low income, the elderly, and persons with disabilities." HUD OIG remains dedicated to prosecuting those who threaten the integrity of such vital programs.
Under federal law, the charges Orovio-Hernandez faces carry severe penalties, including mandatory sentences for identity theft and the potential for deportation following any prison term. The specific charges could result in up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 or more, depending on the offense. As with all defendants, Orovio-Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit. The announcement also noted valuable investigative support from the United States Postal Inspection Service.
