Colombian National Indicted for $400M Federal Benefit, Voter Fraud in US

Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, a Colombian national living illegally in the U.S., has been indicted on multiple federal charges including identity theft, voter fraud, and defrauding government benefit programs. She allegedly used a stolen identity for over two decades to obtain a REAL ID, eight other state IDs, a U.S. passport, and to illegally vote in the 2024 presidential election, with surveillance footage showing her wearing an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day. Prosecutors state she fraudulently received approximately $400,000 in federal benefits, including Section 8 rental assistance, Social Security disability, and SNAP. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned the long-term abuse of public trust, emphasizing that these benefits and voting rights are intended for lawful residents and citizens. The case involved coordinated investigations from multiple federal agencies, highlighting the seriousness of crimes that threaten the electoral process and the integrity of social support systems. Orovio-Hernandez has been in federal custody since February 2025, facing charges that underscore the impact of identity theft on both government programs and the democratic process.