Indonesian Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain Employment

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RUDY GUNAWAN, age 40, a native of Indonesia, was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with possession of fraudulent immigration documents prescribed by statute or regulation for entry into or as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a).

GUNAWAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

“This case is a great example of the team work done by our Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers,” said Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol, New Orleans Sector. “Fraudulent documents are commonly used by criminals and illegal aliens to rob the American people of their identities and finances. Every arrest we make is another citizen protected.” 

U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

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