Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Judge Rejects Attempt to Halt DOGE’s Acquisition of U.S. Institute of Peace

March 19, 2025

Scientists Plan to Publish Climate Report After Trump Dismisses Research Team

May 3, 2025

Trump Clarifies Musk’s White House Role Amid Major News Updates

April 4, 2025

Trump Predicts Elon Musk Will Depart from DOGE in Coming Months

April 2, 2025

U.S. Offers $5 Million Reward for Capture of MS-13 Leader

April 22, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • IAEA Reports 900 Pounds of Enriched Uranium Missing in Iran
  • Senate Moves to Advance Key Legislation Ahead of July 4 Deadline
  • Bears Break Out of Wildlife Park, Consume Honey Supply Before Napping
  • CD vs. High-Yield Savings Account: Which Investment Offers Higher Returns?
  • Prosecution and Defense Conclude Arguments in Sean Combs Sex Trafficking and Racketeering Trial
  • Back-to-School Spending Remains Strong, Survey Finds
  • Exiled Iranian Prince Advocates for Regime Change, Declares ‘Berlin Wall Moment’
  • Darica Mayor Muzaffer Bıyık Shot in Office Attack
  • Journalists End 20-Day Protest After Wage Agreement Reached
  • Midday Stock Highlights: UBER, CCL, AAP, and SNOW See Significant Moves
  • Republicans Propose Bill Requiring Postal Service to Sell New Electric Mail Trucks
  • NATO Race for Defense Technology: Strategies to Maintain a Competitive Edge
  • European Health Agency Alerts Travelers to Rising Hepatitis A Cases
  • U.N. Agency Criticizes U.S.-Backed Gaza Aid as “Death Trap” Amid Rising Casualties
  • Home Price Increases Slow More Than Anticipated
  • UN Chief Praises Trump Following Israel-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
  • Six Common Illegal Debt Collection Tactics to Beware Of
  • McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme End Doughnut Collaboration
  • Majority of Americans Believe Six-Figure Income is Necessary for Financial Security
  • Brazilian Tourist Found Dead After Fall at Indonesian Volcano
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Tuesday, June 24
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » U.S. News » Former Priest Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Denied U.S. Citizenship
Former Priest Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Denied U.S. Citizenship

Former Priest Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Denied U.S. Citizenship

News EditorBy News EditorMarch 7, 2025 U.S. News 5 Mins Read

A former priest, Antonio Velez-Lopez, has received a one-year prison sentence after being convicted of child molestation and passport fraud. The 69-year-old Colombian national, stripped of his American citizenship, is scheduled for deportation upon completion of his sentence. Authorities emphasize the importance of integrity in the naturalization process and have taken action to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not benefit from fraudulent claims.

Article Subheadings
1) Background of the Conviction and Sentence
2) Details of the Criminal Charges
3) Timeline of Immigration and Fraud
4) Statements from Law Enforcement Officials
5) Implications of the Case

Background of the Conviction and Sentence

In a significant legal proceeding, Antonio Velez-Lopez was sentenced to one year in prison following his conviction for child molestation and passport fraud. The decision was made public by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, who confirmed that Velez had been stripped of his U.S. citizenship as a consequence of his criminal actions. The sentence comes as part of a broader effort by immigration authorities to combat fraud in the naturalization process and ensure the safety of the community.

Details of the Criminal Charges

Velez’s legal troubles began on February 19, 2020, when he was arrested in Maryland. He faced multiple charges, including five counts of third-degree sex offenses and one count of fourth-degree sex offense. Following a plea agreement, Velez pled guilty on May 14, 2021, to charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. The court sentenced him to nine years in prison and mandated that he register as a sex offender for life, further highlighting the severity of his crimes.

Timeline of Immigration and Fraud

Velez’s immigration history dates back to 2003 when he entered the United States as a temporary religious worker. His journey towards naturalization was marred by false declarations regarding his criminal background. After applying for permanent residency in 2007, Velez deceitfully asserted that he had never committed a crime of moral turpitude. Consequently, he was granted permanent resident status on November 6, 2007. He continued this pattern of dishonesty when he sought U.S. citizenship, claiming innocence regarding his criminal record on May 29, 2013, which ultimately led to his naturalization.

Statements from Law Enforcement Officials

ICE officials have expressed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the naturalization process. Acting Field Office Director Scott Ladwig stated, “Child molesters like Velez who lied about their crimes to become citizens thought they could hide behind those who earned what they stole. They thought ICE would have to search through thousands of records to find them. They were right. That’s exactly what we did.” This aggressive stance reiterates ICE’s dedication to uncovering fraudulent claims and ensuring that only deserving individuals receive citizenship.

Ladwig emphasized the relentless efforts of ICE and its partners to safeguard the naturalization process, underlining the organization’s commitment to justice for victims and accountability for offenders.

Implications of the Case

The case of Antonio Velez-Lopez raises important questions regarding the checks and balances within immigration systems, particularly concerning those with criminal backgrounds. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough vetting procedures and the responsibility of naturalized citizens to disclose their criminal histories during the immigration process. By exposing such fraudulent activities, authorities hope to reinforce the integrity of citizenship and comfort victims of abuse.

As Velez awaits deportation post-incarceration, this case serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in immigration fraud and the need for vigilance to protect communities and uphold legal standards.

No. Key Points
1 Velez was sentenced to one year in prison for child molestation and passport fraud.
2 He was charged with multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of a minor.
3 Velez entered the U.S. as a temporary religious worker in 2003.
4 He was granted U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means in 2013.
5 ICE emphasizes the importance of integrity in the naturalization process.

Summary

The conviction and sentencing of Antonio Velez-Lopez reflect the ongoing efforts by immigration authorities to uphold the integrity of the U.S. naturalization process. His case illustrates the consequences of deceitful practices and the commitment of officials to protect vulnerable populations. Stripping him of his citizenship serves as a critical message about accountability and the necessity of thorough vetting during immigration processes. The case will undoubtedly fuel discussions on how best to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What crimes was Velez-Lopez convicted of?

Velez-Lopez was convicted of child molestation and passport fraud, leading to a one-year prison sentence.

Question: How did Velez-Lopez become a U.S. citizen despite his criminal background?

Velez-Lopez lied about his criminal history during his applications for permanent residency and U.S. citizenship.

Question: What actions have ICE taken in response to this case?

ICE has emphasized its commitment to investigating fraudulent claims within the naturalization process and has stated that it will continue to take action against individuals who attempt deceitful tactics to gain citizenship.

citizenship Congress Crime denied Economy Education Elections Environmental Issues Fraud Healthcare Immigration Natural Disasters Passport Politics Priest Public Policy Sentenced Social Issues Supreme Court Technology U.S White House
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

U.S. News

Senate Moves to Advance Key Legislation Ahead of July 4 Deadline

6 Mins Read
U.S. News

Home Price Increases Slow More Than Anticipated

6 Mins Read
U.S. News

Robotaxi Service Launches in Atlanta, Featuring Uber and Waymo Vehicles

5 Mins Read
U.S. News

Tech Companies Step Back from LGBTQ+ Events as Major Player Exits SF Pride 2025

6 Mins Read
U.S. News

Trump’s Economic Bill Expected to Pass Before Congressional Recess

6 Mins Read
U.S. News

Super Micro Shares Decline After $2 Billion Convertible Debt Offering

6 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Advocates for Reviving U.S. Aluminum Production

March 16, 2025

Protesters March on White House Against Trump Administration Policies

April 19, 2025

Trump Opposes Israeli Plan to Target Iran’s Supreme Leader, Sources Reveal

June 15, 2025

DOGE Acting Administrator Amy Gleason’s Role Raises Questions

March 9, 2025

Wisconsin Voters Reject Trump and Musk as Liberals Secure State Supreme Court Seat

April 2, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.