Man here illegally accused of identity fraud, obtaining thousands in government benefits: I-Team

GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz says an immigrant here illegally has been indicted on numerous charges, accused of creating a life for himself in America by completely taking over someone else’s identity for years.

Asuncion Rivera was indicted Sept. 23 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court on 25 charges, including counts of identity fraud and false voter registration.

“He has been living in the country for a couple of decades under the stolen identity,” Flaiz said. “He applied for and received Medicaid benefits over $25,000 in Medicaid benefits. He also applied for food stamps.”

The prosecutor said Rivera is accused of using the stolen identity to register to vote, get a driver’s license, a United States Passport and thousands of dollars in government benefits.

Flaiz and Kendra Yurgionas, an investigator at the Geauga County Prosecutor’s office, said Rivera was also arrested several times.

“Since 2005 , there was a criminal history involving disorderly conduct and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence,” Yurgionas said. “It’s very concerning and that is why we took this investigation tremendously seriously. We don’t want someone living in our community who is potentially a danger or a threat.”

Flaiz said investigators discovered the scheme, after the person, whose identity was stolen, applied for government benefits last year.

Rivera is due in court soon to face the charges. He is being held in the Geauga County Jail.

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