Mexican man pleads guilty to document fraud

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty to possession with intent to use or transfer five or more fraudulent documents. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to court documents, Lucio Martinez, 29, and his wife, Aster Martinez, procured fraudulent U.S. Social Security cards and alien registration receipt cards for illegal aliens. The fraudulent identification allows illegal aliens to stay and work in the United States. Between August 2010 and August 2011, Lucio Martinez agreed to provide six fraudulent identification documents to witnesses working with the government. The defendant was paid $960 for the fraudulent identification.

Aster Martinez was convicted of the same charge on Oct. 25, 2011. She will be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2012. Lucio Martinez will be sentenced on March 14, 2012, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr. is prosecuting this case.