A Colombian woman unlawfully residing in Boston was sentenced on May 26 in federal court for a multi-decade scheme involving voter fraud, identity theft, and the theft of over $400,000 in federal benefits. Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 60, received a sentence of 33 months in prison from U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris and was ordered to pay $404,194 in restitution. Upon completion of her sentence, she will be subject to deportation.
Orovio-Hernandez was convicted by a jury in February 2026 on charges including false representation of a Social Security number, making a false statement on a passport application, aggravated identity theft, receiving stolen government money or property, and fraudulent voting. She has been held in federal custody since her indictment by a grand jury in February 2025.
“For more than two decades, this defendant treated the identity of an American citizen as a personal entitlement – exploiting it to enrich herself, evade the law and access government programs and privileges reserved for lawful residents and citizens of this country,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This was a deliberate, calculated fraud scheme carried out with blatant disregard for American taxpayers, our public institutions and the integrity of our elections. Even after her crimes were uncovered, the defendant attempted to flee and lied under oath rather than accept responsibility. This case is exactly why we launched the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. These are not victimless crimes – and those who steal public benefits, exploit stolen identities and undermine public trust should expect federal prosecution.”
Nathan Hebert of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service said, “Today’s sentencing holds Ms. Orovio-Hernandez accountable for a multi-decade scheme involving passport fraud, identity theft, and the abuse of federal programs… The collaborative relationships that DSS has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners was essential in this investigation.” Amy Connelly from Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General said, “The defendant unlawfully used a stolen identity to obtain Social Security benefits and commit additional federal offenses.” Shawn Rice from Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General said, “Her actions were not a one-time mistake or lapse in judgment but a calculated effort to defraud… over many years.”
According to court documents presented at trial: Orovio-Hernandez lived under another person’s name for more than twenty years using their date of birth and Social Security number; obtained nine Massachusetts-issued IDs through fraudulent documents; filed petitions seeking late-registered Puerto Rico birth certificates; improperly received SNAP benefits totaling approximately $43,348 between April 2005–January 2025; received about $101,257 from Supplemental Security Income disability payments between July 2014–January 2025; collected roughly $259,589 through Section 8 rental assistance from October 2011–January 2025—all while falsely claiming citizenship status.
In November 2024 she voted using her assumed identity during that year’s presidential election before applying later that month for an American passport at Jamaica Plain Post Office using fraudulent identification documents.
On March 26 United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team—a district-wide initiative aimed at investigating misuse within taxpayer-funded programs across Massachusetts—and members are encouraging reports via hotline (1-855-SCAM-MA-1). On April 7 Department Of Justice announced formation National Fraud Enforcement Division supporting President Trump’s Task Force To Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D Vance.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws—including national security threats—serves all state residents through its main office at John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse with branches elsewhere; employs over two hundred staff advancing community initiatives such as civil rights protection, according to the official website.
