Lawrence man pleads guilty in identity theft scheme involving stolen puerto rican identities

BOSTON, MA – Joshua Cruz, 35, pleaded guilty today to his role in a complex identity theft scheme, using stolen identities from Puerto Rican U.S. citizens to fraudulently purchase vehicles, apply for bank accounts, and utilize credit cards. The sentencing is set for January 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris.

Between December 2018 and January 2019, Cruz visited Massachusetts car dealerships and applied for 100% financing to purchase late-model vehicles. He used stolen personal information, counterfeit Puerto Rico driver’s licenses, and fraudulent Social Security cards for identification. Cruz was implicated in the fraudulent purchase of three cars collectively valued at over $170,000.

The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and false representation of a Social Security number. Wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime. The false representation of a Social Security number is punishable by up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez. Assistance was provided by police departments in Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Woburn, and Dartmouth. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch.

Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) led the investigation. This task force specializes in detecting and disrupting identity and benefit fraud schemes.

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