Sentencing of Guatemalan National in Fake Document Scheme

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan has announced the sentencing of Edidio Vázquez Mencho, a Guatemalan national illegally residing in the United States. This follows his conviction related to a scheme selling fraudulent documents in Michigan.

Vázquez Mencho was involved with others in a conspiracy to supply fake Social Security cards and permanent resident cards to other undocumented individuals in Grand Rapids.

At 41 years old, he received a six-month sentence in federal prison. He is the second of three undocumented immigrants charged in a scheme that occurred between 2024 and 2024. The indictment states that Vázquez Mencho and two other Guatemalans profited by providing false documents, enabling other undocumented individuals to secure legal employment and access services meant for lawful citizens and immigrants.

Prosecutors indicated that Vázquez Mencho’s primary responsibility was to distribute fake documents to clients and collect payments. He was found guilty of conspiring to transfer false identification.

U.S. Attorney Verhey commented on the case, stating that Vázquez Mencho’s actions warranted prosecution. He emphasized that Vázquez Mencho not only disregarded immigration laws by entering the U.S. unlawfully but also operated an illegal documentation business, assisting others in obtaining work and claiming public services meant for citizens. Verhey stressed that this behavior needs to be addressed.

Vázquez Mencho has had previous encounters with immigration authorities. This marks the third time he has been found in the U.S. illegally. Initially, he was allowed to leave voluntarily, but following a second encounter, he was officially deported back to Guatemala. After serving his sentence, he is set to be returned to his home country, as noted by Verhey.

The investigation into Vázquez Mencho began in September 2025 when a grand jury in Grand Rapids indicted him, alongside Norma Yanari Ayala, a 34-year-old Guatemalan, and Rigoberto Vázquez Vázquez, a 42-year-old Guatemalan, for their involvement in the forgery scheme. Ayala and Vázquez Mencho also faced charges for re-entering the U.S. illegally after prior deportations.

The charges allege that the three conspired to sell and transfer fake permanent resident and Social Security cards, presenting them as legitimate documents from U.S. authorities while fully aware they were forged. The investigation revealed that sales were made to confidential sources on seven occasions, monitored by Homeland Security agents.

On March 16, U.S. Attorney Verhey also reported that Norma Ayala received an eight-month federal prison sentence for her part in the fraud. Court records indicate that she has been deported four times from the U.S.