Home San Juan Press Releases 2010 Arrest of Individual for Identity Theft
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Arrest of Individual for Identity Theft

FBI San Juan March 11, 2010
  • Special Agent Carlos Osorio (787) 759-1550

On March 10, 2010 at approximately 9:00 p.m., HUMBERTO VAZQUEZ-CRUZ, age 33, was arrested, without incident, at his residence in Carolina, Puerto Rico by the FBI and the Police of Puerto Rico. VAZQUEZ-CRUZ has been charged with fraud in connection with identity theft and the trafficking of identification documents.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Monday, February 22, 2010, employees of the Puerto Rico Department of Motor Vehicles [Centro de Servicio al Conductor (CESCO)] located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, discovered that a theft of approximately 1,200 Puerto Rico Driver’s License renewal files and other items had been stolen from the premises. These CESCO driver’s license renewal files usually contain photographs and an application form. Furthermore, the application form normally contains such information as: name, date of birth, social security number, address, and other personal applicant information.

It was determined two individuals entered the CESCO facility located in Carolina, Puerto Rico after normal business hours the weekend of February 20, 2010. In order to gain access to the facility, one of the individuals identified himself as HUMBERTO VAZQUEZ-CRUZ and that he was an employee of the CESCO office located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The criminal complaint further alleges VAZQUEZ-CRUZ was identified by a witness as one of the individuals who entered the CESCO facility in Carolina the evening of the previously indicated weekend.

It has since been learned that VAZQUEZ-CRUZ is an employee of the CESCO office located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and he had previously worked as a CESCO employee in the Carolina office from where the files were stolen.

If convicted, VAZQUEZ-CRUZ faces a maximum penalty of up to five years of imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Charles Walsh, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint is not evidence of any guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI would like to take this opportunity to remind and recommend to the public that everyone should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their identity, as well as conduct the necessary checks in order to verify that their identity has not been stolen.