Nicaraguan National Indicted for Making False Statements in a Passport Application

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on August 1, 2024, SILVIO MARTIN MENDOZA SANCHEZ (“MENDOZA SANCHEZ”), age 44, a citizen of Nicaragua, was indicted on August 1, 2024, for making false statements in an application for a United States passport, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1542.

According to court documents, on or about May 25, 2024, MENDOZA SANCHEZ used the identity information of a Puerto Rican citizen to apply for a United States passport.  If convicted, ALVARO faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

The case was investigated by the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.