DOJ Charges Colombian National With Using a Stolen Identity to Obtain Over $400,000 in Government Benefits

A Colombian national has been charged by the DOJ for identity theft. The individual is accused of using a stolen identity to receive government benefits.

A Colombian woman, Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, has been charged with multiple federal offenses after living illegally in the U.S. for over 20 years. She is accused of using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain more than $400,000 in government benefits, including Section 8 rental assistance, Social Security disability payments, and SNAP benefits, as well as illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election.

According to the Department of Justice, Orovio-Hernandez obtained a REAL ID in Massachusetts and multiple other state IDs, and even applied for a U.S. passport by falsely claiming she was born in Puerto Rico. Her fraudulent activity began in 2004 when she got a state learner’s permit under a false identity. In January 2023, she registered to vote using that stolen identity, and on Election Day 2024, surveillance footage captured her wearing an “I voted” sticker, which helped lead to her arrest in February 2025.

She now faces charges including false representation of a Social Security number, making false statements on a passport application, aggravated identity theft, and fraudulent voting. The indictment highlights her long-term exploitation of government programs intended to assist lawful residents.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized that Orovio-Hernandez’s actions undermine assistance programs meant for lawful residents and that government-funded benefits should not be exploited by illegal immigrants. Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, described the case as a serious abuse of a system designed to help those truly in need.

This case has raised concerns about the integrity of voter rolls and the risk of non-citizens influencing elections, as well as the importance of strengthening identity verification to prevent fraud. Authorities are still investigating how Orovio-Hernandez was able to maintain her fake identity for so long and whether others were involved.

The case serves as a clear reminder of the vulnerabilities in government benefit and election systems and the urgent need for stricter safeguards to prevent similar abuses in the future. Orovio-Hernandez remains in federal custody as the legal process continues, with this case closely watched for its potential impact on future policies regarding identity verification and government assistance programs.

The Department of Justice has committed to continuing efforts to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit these systems and urges the public to report any suspicious activity related to identity theft or fraud. As the investigation moves forward, officials are reviewing other cases of stolen identities to ensure such abuses are addressed swiftly and effectively.

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