A Nicaraguan national has entered a guilty plea for the misuse of a social security number, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced recently. The individual, Leonardo Paramo-Barbas, 29, admitted to the charge in a federal court last Wednesday, with sentencing scheduled for December 3.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Paramo-Barbas faces potential penalties including up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. He is also required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. The indictment states that on July 20, 2022, he used another person’s Social Security number to obtain and maintain employment.
The actions of Paramo-Barbas were identified as part of Operation Take Back America, a government initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The Department of Justice describes it as a nationwide effort that mobilizes extensive resources to counter illegal immigration and protect communities from violent crimes linked to cartels and other criminal groups.
Efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Office and Homeland Security Investigations strengthened the prosecution of Paramo-Barbas, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson, who also praised these agencies for their involvement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit led the prosecution, securing the plea that will lead to sentencing later this year.
