Post by admin on Dec 7, 2007 14:49:50 GMT -5
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071207/NEWS01/712070419/1004
FREEHOLD — Local, county and federal authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant living in Freehold Township who they allege was selling phony Social Security cards and green cards from his apartment.
Francis W. Araya, 38, was arrested Wednesday after Freehold Township police raided his apartment with the help of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service.
Inside Araya's apartment, authorities found computers, printers, cameras, laminating machines and other equipment needed to manufacture the phony documents that sold for $60 each.
During an investigation that lasted several months, authorities learned that illegal immigrants in the area would come to Araya to get phony Social Security cards and immigrant registration cards.
"He had blank cards that he made himself," explained Detective Lt. Roy Ruiz of the Freehold Township Police Department.
During the raid, investigators found a substantial number of blank cards, $1,400 in cash and the equipment needed to produce the phony documents. A ledger listing Araya's customers was also picked up in the raid.
Araya, whom authorities say is an illegal immigrant, has had previous contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Araya is charged with falsifying public records, identity theft, trafficking personal identification, forgery, and possession of forgery devices. He was being held in the Monmouth County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Detective William Rette of the Freehold Township Police Department, Sheriff's Deputy Randy Morgan of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, and Agent Brian McCarthy of the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to Araya's arrest.
FREEHOLD — Local, county and federal authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant living in Freehold Township who they allege was selling phony Social Security cards and green cards from his apartment.
Francis W. Araya, 38, was arrested Wednesday after Freehold Township police raided his apartment with the help of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service.
Inside Araya's apartment, authorities found computers, printers, cameras, laminating machines and other equipment needed to manufacture the phony documents that sold for $60 each.
During an investigation that lasted several months, authorities learned that illegal immigrants in the area would come to Araya to get phony Social Security cards and immigrant registration cards.
"He had blank cards that he made himself," explained Detective Lt. Roy Ruiz of the Freehold Township Police Department.
During the raid, investigators found a substantial number of blank cards, $1,400 in cash and the equipment needed to produce the phony documents. A ledger listing Araya's customers was also picked up in the raid.
Araya, whom authorities say is an illegal immigrant, has had previous contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Araya is charged with falsifying public records, identity theft, trafficking personal identification, forgery, and possession of forgery devices. He was being held in the Monmouth County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Detective William Rette of the Freehold Township Police Department, Sheriff's Deputy Randy Morgan of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, and Agent Brian McCarthy of the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to Araya's arrest.
