A Colombian woman residing illegally in the U.S. has been using a stolen identity for over 20 years, allegedly receiving more than $400,000 in fraudulent federal benefits and voting illegally in the 2024 presidential election, according to federal prosecutors.
Lina Maria Orovio Hernandez, 59, is said to have acquired welfare benefits, real IDs, and eight additional state identification cards, as reported by the Justice Department.
She utilized her stolen identity to file fraudulent voter registrations in January 2023 and cast her vote in last year’s presidential election.
Surveillance footage from November 5, 2024, captured her at a bank wearing an “I voted” sticker, according to court documents.
Charges against her include misrepresentation of her Social Security Number, making false statements when applying for a U.S. passport, aggravated identity theft, receiving stolen government funds, fraudulent voter registration, and vote fraud.
Orovio-Hernandez has been in federal custody since February, following her charges related to identity theft and other crimes.
Officials noted that she wrongfully received $400,000 in federal benefits, including Section 8 rental assistance from October 2011 to January 2025, $101,257 in Social Security benefits from July 2014 to January 2015, and $43,348 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from April 2005 to January 2025.
“For over 20 years, the defendant has allegedly built her life based on a stolen identity, collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for needy Americans while voting illegally in elections,” stated U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.
Authorities also mentioned that Orovio-Hernandez applied for a U.S. passport, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico.
Foley emphasized that she was not entitled to any of the benefits she received.
Special Agent Amy Connelly from the inspector general’s office commented, “Theft isn’t just about stealing someone’s identity to gain illegal benefits; it represents a long-term exploitation of the system meant to help those truly in need.”
