HOUSTON – A man who investigators say used a deceased boy's identity for years has been convicted.
Jesus Duenas-Barajas, 53, has entered a plea of guilty to submitting a false statement on a U.S. passport application and aggravated identity theft.
According to the Justice Department, Duenas-Barajas is a Mexican national who has been living in Houston illegally.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of State and Social Security Administration.
In February 2012, Duenas-Barajas completed a U.S. passport application at the Westfield Post Office in Houston by using the the identity of a boy who had died in 1978, said investigators.
He used the deceased victim's date of birth, Social Security number and birth certificate. Evidence also indicated Duenas-Barajas had been using the deceased boy's identity since as early as 1986. During that time, he had also been able to obtain a driver's license.
Sentencing for Duenas-Barajas has been set for Oct. 14, 2014.
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He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine for the false statement conviction.
For aggravated identity theft, he will also face a mandatory two-year-term of federal imprisonment which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
Duenas-Barajas is expected to face deportation proceedings after he serves his sentence.