Mexican national has pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges related to identity theft and immigration fraud after living under a false identity in the Pensacola area.
Alfredo Mendoza Montero, 44, admitted in federal court to passport fraud, false impersonation of a U.S. citizen, and aggravated identity theft. His plea was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court records, Montero illegally entered the United States in 2019 and later purchased documents belonging to a real American citizen. He used those documents to apply for a U.S. passport in 2022 and obtain a Florida driver’s license in 2023. Authorities say Montero assumed the identity and lived under the stolen name until his arrest by federal officials on April 1, 2025.
“Enforcing our immigration laws and protecting American citizens from identity theft is a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Heekin. “We are committed to holding individuals accountable when they exploit our systems and victimize our communities.”
Montero now faces up to 13 years in federal prison, followed by a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. He also faces deportation following the completion of his prison term. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola before District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement–Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
