Venezuelan National Admits Guilt: Lying on Immigration and Firearms Applications Exposes Criminal Past
November 22, 2023
A Venezuelan national has formally pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, admitting to making false statements on both immigration and firearms forms. This case underscores the rigorous efforts by U.S. authorities to maintain the integrity of the nation's immigration system and prevent individuals with violent criminal histories from obtaining legal status or firearms.
The individual, identified as Edgar Adolfo Hernandez-Vasquez, entered a guilty plea to two counts of making false statements on immigration forms and one count of making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms. His admission brings to light a deliberate scheme to conceal a violent past while attempting to establish residency and acquire weapons in the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hernandez-Vasquez knowingly lied on federal immigration applications, denying any past arrests or criminal convictions. He specifically omitted crucial information about his criminal history in Venezuela, which included charges for murder and robbery. These serious offenses, committed in his home country, were intentionally hidden from U.S. immigration officials during his application process.
The deception extended beyond immigration forms. Hernandez-Vasquez also made false statements on federal forms required for the purchase of firearms. By lying about his criminal background, he attempted to circumvent federal laws designed to prevent prohibited individuals from owning guns. His fraudulent statements allowed him to acquire firearms that he would otherwise have been legally barred from possessing.
This investigation was a collaborative effort involving several key agencies. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, played a crucial role in uncovering Hernandez-Vasquez’s deceit. They worked in conjunction with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is responsible for administering the nation's lawful immigration system, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), tasked with enforcing federal laws relating to firearms. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case, highlighting the federal government's commitment to upholding justice.
Hernandez-Vasquez now faces significant legal repercussions. For each count of making false statements on immigration forms, he could face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The charge of making false statements in connection with acquiring firearms carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Following any incarceration, he will likely face immediate deportation proceedings, ensuring his removal from the United States.
This case serves as a stern reminder that truthfulness is paramount in all interactions with federal agencies, particularly concerning immigration and firearms applications. U.S. authorities remain vigilant in detecting and prosecuting individuals who attempt to defraud the system, especially those who conceal violent criminal histories. The collective efforts of law enforcement agencies are vital in safeguarding national security and public safety by ensuring that all applicants adhere to federal laws and honest disclosure.
