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Press Release

Woman Orchestrated Scheme To Obtain U Visas, Charged With Visa Fraud

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36, with conspiracy to commit visa fraud. LINARES made her initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the allegations in the indictment, between August 20, 2019, and September 30, 2019, LINARES conspired with other individuals to defraud the United States by making false statements to fraudulently obtain U Nonimmigrant Visas (“U-Visas”), for four individuals. Victims of certain criminal activities that occur in the United States may be eligible to apply for and obtain a U Visa. A victim who obtains a U Visa may subsequently apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

According to the allegations in the indictment, LINARES devised and participated in a detailed scheme, whereby the four individuals each falsely reported to the Eden Prairie Police Department that they were victims of robberies committed in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. LINARES directed the individuals to file a police report stating that they were a victim of a fabricated assault, and to corroborate each other’s account of the assault. LINARES used a box cutter or other sharp object to cut the four individuals before they filed their false report with the Eden Prairie Police Department.  In exchange, LINARES collected a $2,000 fee from each individual.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Eden Prairie Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela M. Munoz is prosecuting the case.

 

Defendant Information:

YURIDIA HERNANDEZ LINARES, 36

City of residence unknown

Charges:

  • Conspiracy to commit visa fraud, 1 count

 

 

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

 

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated February 3, 2020
Topic
Immigration
Component
USAO - Minnesota