PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Two people were arrested and arraigned Friday on federal charges of identity theft, money laundering, government-property theft, and forging endorsements on treasury checks, the office of U.S. Atty. Peter Neronha announced.
Juliana Martins, 44, and Jairo Morales, 28, both of Providence, were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents, with assistance from agents with the Secret Service and the IRS Office of Investigation.
"The defendants are alleged to have participated in a scheme to steal the identity of approximately 40 individuals, nearly all of whom appear to live in Puerto Rico, including their names, social security numbers and dates of birth," a news release from Neronha's office said.
"It is alleged that they used the information to fraudulently obtain federal tax checks totaling more than $277,300. The investigation revealed that the checks were allegedly deposited into various bank accounts and then cash withdrawn in an attempt to conceal the scheme."
According to Neronha's office, Martins and Morales were released on unsecured bond after appearing before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.