A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted a man for naturalization fraud following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Juan Antonio Ruiz, aged 47, is accused of providing false information during his naturalization process that occurred in June 2015. The indictment claims that Ruiz falsely responded "no" to questions regarding whether he had committed any crimes that had not been previously brought to arrest, while applying for U.S. citizenship.
The investigation revealed that Ruiz was arrested in May 2018 under charges of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15 and attempted child molestation. These offenses allegedly took place between September 2003 and January 2008, before he became a naturalized citizen. Ruiz pleaded guilty to these charges in 2021.
If convicted of naturalization fraud, Ruiz could face consequences including up to 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, revocation of his citizenship, and cancellation of his naturalization certificate.
The indictment is a formal accusation and Ruiz is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona based in Phoenix.
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