Guatemalan National Charged with Fraud Related to Unaccompanied Alien Child Sponsorship

Strategic Insights -

Felix Coc Choc, a 29-year-old Guatemalan national, has been indicted for allegedly submitting a false application to sponsor an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) after the minor entered the United States illegally. The indictment, unsealed in the Middle District of Louisiana, charges Coc Choc with making a false statement and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Felix Coc Choc, a 29-year-old Guatemalan national, has been charged with fraud related to an unaccompanied alien child sponsorship application.
  • Coc Choc allegedly submitted a false application to sponsor a 16-year-old Guatemalan UAC who entered the United States illegally in January 2023.
  • The defendant falsely claimed to be the UAC's brother and provided a fake national identification card.
  • Coc Choc is charged with one count of making a false statement and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carry maximum penalties of five and two years in prison, respectively.
  • The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
  • Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), a partnership between the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security, investigated the case.
  • JTFA has resulted in over 415 domestic and international arrests, 355 U.S. convictions, and 305 significant jail sentences imposed.

Statistics:

  • 1 count of making a false statement (5-year maximum penalty)
  • 1 count of aggravated identity theft (2-year mandatory consecutive penalty)
  • Over 415 domestic and international arrests by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA)
  • Over 355 U.S. convictions in JTFA cases
  • Over 305 significant jail sentences imposed in JTFA cases
  • Over 415 UAC sponsorship applications investigated by JTFA

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA)
  • Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)