Three ID Theft Suspects Sentenced

Three suspects accused of identity theft appeared for sentencing in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026. David J.A. Bargen was the presiding judgeThe defendants were: Vilma E. Arias De Gomez, age 53; Leonidas D. Monterroso Marroquin, age 20; and Ingrid Josefi Ortega Escobar, age 35.Each of the defendants were accused of having at least one alias, either a stolen or fictional identify, and each was originally charged with three counts: Identity theft with a value of $5,0000 or more, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison; Second degree forgery, also a class 2A felony; and Criminal impersonation, a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.There are arrest affidavits for some but not all of the defendants. They indicate that audits were done in April of 2024 by Homeland Security investigation at Westin Packaged Meats in Fairbury and at Endicott Clay Products in Endicott.In accordance with a plea agreement with the state, the charges of identity theft and forgery were dismissed. Each defendant pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation.The defendants are represented by attorney Nathan Dallon of Hatch & Dallon, LLC, who noted each of his clients now have legal status to be in the country, with valid work permits and are registered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As a result, Dallon noted his clients were unlikely to re-offend.Dallon requested a fine only, but recommended it be the maximum dollar amount allowed. Dallon said, “We do not want to minimize the seriousness of the offense.”Jefferson County Attorney Joseph Casson also recommended a fine only.Judge Bargen agreed and fined the defendants $1,000 each.Three other defendants represented by Dallon and also facing the same charges appeared in court: Selvin W. Monterroso Monterroso, age 35; Byron Binicio Escobar Monterroso, age 30; and Nehemias Joel Monterroso, age 33.Dallon indicated plea deals were in the works for his clients and requested a continuance. Judge Bargen granted a continuance for all three until March 5, 2026.These are just the latest defendants to result from an investigation dating back to 2023. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, following a nearly yearlong investigation, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the Jefferson and Saline County Sheriff Offices, Crete Police Department and the Omaha Office of Homeland Security Investigations, served arrest warrants in Fairbury and Crete.Most of the suspects arrested at that time have completed their journey through the court system, with the majority of suspects pleading guilty.

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