Colombian Priest Convicted of Child Abuse Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Deportation

Colombian Priest Convicted of Child Abuse Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Deportation

A former priest with a history of child molestation faces a one-year prison sentence for passport fraud as part of a broader legal action to strip him of his United States citizenship, authorities reported on Thursday.

Antonio Velez-Lopez, now 69, is a Colombian national who was found guilty of lying during his immigration process. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency announced that he will be deported after serving his prison term.

Scott Ladwig, acting Field Office Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans, remarked that individuals like Velez, who deceive authorities to gain citizenship, significantly undermine the integrity of the naturalization process. He expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to identify such cases, stating, “They thought ICE would have to search through thousands of records to find them. They were right. That’s exactly what we did.”

Legal Troubles Arising from Past Crimes

On February 19, 2020, authorities arrested Velez in Maryland, resulting in charges that included five counts of third-degree sex offenses and one count of a fourth-degree sex offense. His legal saga took a decisive turn when he pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021, to the sexual abuse of a minor under his temporary care. The court sentenced him to nine years in prison and mandated that he register as a sex offender for life.

Admitting to Abusive Acts

Velez confessed to having sexually abused a child from June 2003 to June 2009 while serving as that child’s priest. This disturbing admission showcases the longstanding consequences of his actions, both for his victims and for himself.

Fraudulent Immigration Claims

Velez entered the United States in 2003 as a temporary religious worker, but when he later sought permanent residency, he provided false information. On May 15, 2007, he stated that he had never “knowingly committed any crime of moral turpitude,” a claim that turned out to be untrue, according to ICE.

This fraudulent declaration led to the granting of his permanent residency status on November 6, 2007. Velez continued his pattern of deception when applying for U.S. citizenship and again misrepresented his criminal history. Eventually, he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen on May 29, 2013, despite his previous offenses.

Stripped of Citizenship

In a decisive move by the justice system, Velez lost his American citizenship on February 28 as a result of judicial proceedings initiated by ICE. Following this ruling, a judge ordered him to be deported, effectively marking the end of his attempted deception to remain in the United States.

ICE’s Commitment to Justice

This case highlights ICE’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the immigration process. The agency remains committed to ensuring that only lawful immigrants obtain U.S. citizenship and that those who choose to commit fraud face appropriate legal repercussions. Ladwig reiterated that his office would continue to work diligently to expose individuals who exploit the system.

Broader Implications

The Velez case raises larger questions about the immigration system and the lengths to which individuals might go to conceal their criminal records. By enforcing strict consequences for fraud, ICE aims to bolster public trust in the naturalization process.

This incident serves as a critical reminder that integrity within the immigration system must be preserved. As Velez’s case comes to a close, it emphasizes the importance of vigilance in monitoring individuals who pose potential risks to society.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings wrap up for Velez, the broader implications for immigrants seeking citizenship remain significant. Authorities will likely continue to prioritize cases involving criminal activity and dishonesty, ensuring that those who exploit the system face legal challenges.

This ongoing commitment to justice reflects a determined effort to protect the sanctity of U.S. citizenship. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, authorities strive to create a system that rewards honesty while penalizing deceit.