Suspects from ID Theft Ring Arraigned

Several suspects recently arrested and charged with identity theft appeared in Jefferson County Court for arraignment on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.An investigation into the purchase and distribution of fraudulent identification documents led to felony charges and multiple arrests in Jefferson and Saline Counties on violations of Nebraska State Statutes for criminal impersonation and identity theft.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, Nebraska. A total of eleven individuals were arrested and transported to local county jails.Each suspect has been charged with identity theft, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and criminal impersonation, a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.Seven of the defendants waived their right to a preliminary hearing and their cases were bound over to district court: Estela Gomez-Lucas (alias Marguerite Rodriguez) Gloria Mendez-Lopez (alias Rosemary Trujillo) Fredy Monterroso-Escobar (alias Charly Medina) Sarai Monterroso-Monterroso (alias Graciela Tlapanco Bautista) Edilsa Monterroso-Velazquez (alias Michelle Gonzalez) Hilda Romero-Perez (alias Julie Katherine Ocejo) Yulie Escobar (alias Briana Nicole Montanez)All seven are represented by attorney Nathan C. Dallon of Hatch and Dallon, LLC, of Omaha. Suspects are currently free on a $50,000 (10 percent) bond apiece.Another defendant, Julio Romero-Diaz (alias John Avila), failed to appear for court and does not have an attorney on file. According to County Attorney Joseph Casson, “My understanding is he went back to Guatemala.”Bond was revoked and a warrant was issued for Romero-Diaz's arrest.Another suspect, Leonidas D. Monterroso Marroquin, who was not arrested, is charged with obstructing a peace officer, a class 1 misdemeanor. He filed a written Not Guilty plea and is scheduled to return to county court on February 7, 2024. He is also represented by Dallon.Warrants remain outstanding for: Juan C. Garcia (alias Juan Hernandez Francisco Sebastion) Dunia A. Orellana Sorto (alias Jessica Hernandez) Elias Perez Vicente (Jose Luis Cardenas and Juan Carlos Morales Hernandez)The DMV told FJN that the suspects are encouraged to turn themselves in, “(W)e would appreciate them contacting our office or if anyone in the Jefferson/Saline County area knows their whereabouts to let our office know or give the information to local law enforcement.”The investigation is ongoing and, as a result, the warrants and arrest affidavits have been sealed. According to the motion to seal the affidavit, “The Plaintiff shows the Court that certain information contained in the Arrest Affidavit could compromise the further investigation of the alleged crimes.”“We are pleased the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office has pursued these identity theft related charges. This helps to further our ability to stop criminal activity which victimizes Nebraska citizens,” said Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.This is a developing story. FJN will report further details when they become available.

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