A Colombian national living unlawfully in Boston was found guilty by a federal jury of multiple offenses, including identity theft, voter fraud, and fraudulent receipt of federal benefits. The verdict was delivered after a five-day trial in U.S. District Court.
Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, was convicted on several charges: false representation of a Social Security number; making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport; aggravated identity theft; three counts of receiving stolen government money or property; and fraudulent voting. She had been indicted on these charges earlier in 2025 and has remained in custody since her arrest.
According to court records, Orovio-Hernandez used a stolen identity for more than two decades while residing in the United States without legal status. Authorities stated she obtained nine state identification cards—including a Massachusetts Real ID—and applied for a U.S. passport under the assumed identity.
Prosecutors said that Orovio-Hernandez cast an illegal ballot during the November 2024 presidential election using the stolen identity. They also alleged she improperly received approximately $400,000 in federal benefits over several years: about $259,589 from Section 8 rental assistance between October 2011 and January 2025; $101,257 from Social Security disability benefits from July 2014 to January 2025; and $43,348 from Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between April 2005 and January 2025.
“Ms. Orovio-Hernandez has lived in this country illegally for two decades, during which time she repeatedly made false statements, stole, committed fraud and even voted illegally,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Her repeated criminal acts are a slap in the face to all those who come into this country legally and abide by our laws. The air of entitlement is astounding. This case is yet another example of our commitment to rooting out those who violate our immigration laws and steal from United States Citizens.”
Special Agent Nathan Hebert of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) commented on the significance of interagency cooperation: “This investigation highlights the critical role of DSS in protecting the American public from identity and document fraud,” he said. “This conviction reflects the tireless efforts of our special agents and the strength of our partnerships across agencies.”
Amy Connelly with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) noted that fraudulent activity against benefit programs would not go unnoticed or unpunished: “This verdict sends a clear message: identity theft and fraud against federal benefit programs will not go undetected or unpunished,” she said. “The jury confirmed that the defendant used a stolen identity to illegally collect Social Security benefits, commit voter fraud, and undermine public trust. SSA OIG is committed to investigating and holding accountable anyone—including illegal immigrants—who exploit Social Security programs.”
Shawn Rice with HUD’s Office of Inspector General emphasized that taxpayer funds meant for vulnerable populations were misused: “Orovio-Hernandez’s calculated deception caused her to fraudulently receive over $400,000 in federal benefits including more than $250,000 in HUD rental assistance. These taxpayer funds were intended to provide housing assistance to our most at-risk populations—low income, disabled, and elderly United States citizens,” Rice stated.
If convicted on all counts at sentencing—which will be determined by a federal judge based on statutory guidelines—Orovio-Hernandez faces up to ten years’ imprisonment on some charges as well as mandatory consecutive sentences for aggravated identity theft along with substantial fines per count. She is also subject to deportation after serving any sentence imposed.
The investigation involved collaboration among several agencies including DSS Boston Field Office; SSA OIG Boston–New York Field Division; HUD OIG; USDA Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Region; United States Postal Inspection Service; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm.
