PORT ARTHUR MAN CHARGED WITH USING FRAUDULENT TWIC CARD TO ACCESS SEAPORT
ELIAZAR SANCHEZ CASTRO, age 24, of Port Arthur, Texas, was charged in criminal complaint yesterday with using a fraudulent Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card to enter a restricted area of the C-Port installation in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sunday, May 16, 2010, CASTRO, a laborer employed by Industrial Scaffolding, returned from working offshore and departed the secure area of C Port-1 to retrieve his vehicle. When CASTRO attempted to reenter the secure area to pick up his tools and baggage, a Port security guard determined that CASTRO’s TWIC card, which is required for entry to the secure area, was fraudulent. CASTRO was arrested and made an initial appearance on Monday, May 17, 2010, at which time, the defendant was ordered detained pending a detention hearing on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.
If convicted, defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six (6) months, a fine of $100,000.00, and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the complaint is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation was conducted by Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
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