BOSTON, MA – A Colombian woman who lived under a stolen identity for more than two decades and illegally voted in the 2024 presidential election has been convicted in federal court on multiple counts of identity theft, benefit fraud, and voter fraud.
Following a five-day jury trial, 59-year-old Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez was found guilty of seven federal offenses, including aggravated identity theft, fraudulent voting, false representation of a Social Security number, making false statements on a passport application, and receiving stolen government funds. She has been in federal custody since her February 2025 arrest.
Prosecutors said Orovio-Hernandez, who has no legal status in the United States, lived in the Boston area using another person’s identity for more than 20 years. Over that period, she obtained nine state identification cards—including a Massachusetts Real ID—and even applied for a U.S. passport under the stolen name. Federal investigators also discovered that she cast a fraudulent ballot in the November 2024 presidential election.
More than $400,000 in stolen federal benefits
Authorities detailed an extensive fraud scheme in which Orovio-Hernandez collected approximately $404,000 in government benefits not meant for her. She received $259,589 in Section 8 rental assistance, $101,257 in Social Security disability payments, and $43,348 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between 2005 and 2025. Surveillance footage showed her wearing an “I Voted” sticker at a Citizens Bank ATM in Boston the day after the election.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said the conviction underscores a commitment to enforcing immigration and fraud laws. “Ms. Orovio-Hernandez has lived in this country illegally for two decades, during which time she repeatedly made false statements, stole, committed fraud and even voted illegally,” Foley said. “Her repeated criminal acts are a slap in the face to all those who come into this country legally and abide by our laws.”
Investigators: “A calculated deception”
Special Agent in Charge Nathan Hebert of the Diplomatic Security Service said the case demonstrates federal cooperation in combating document and identity fraud. “This conviction reflects the tireless efforts of our special agents and the strength of our partnerships across agencies,” he said.
Amy Connelly of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General called the case a warning to others exploiting public programs. “The jury confirmed that the defendant used a stolen identity to illegally collect Social Security benefits, commit voter fraud, and undermine public trust,” she said.
HUD Inspector General Shawn Rice added that Orovio-Hernandez’s deception diverted funds meant to help vulnerable citizens. “Her actions were not a onetime mistake or accident,” Rice said. “She lived under a stolen identity for over two decades, taking numerous actions to defraud the United States Government.”
Key takeaways
• Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, lived under a stolen identity for over 20 years in Boston.
• She fraudulently voted in the 2024 presidential election and collected $400,000 in benefits.
• She faces multiple felony convictions and likely deportation after sentencing.
Orovio-Hernandez faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the most serious charges, plus a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. She will also face deportation upon completion of any prison term. Sentencing will be scheduled by the U.S. District Court in Boston.
