Prosecutors in Michigan say three people pleaded guilty in federal court recently to charges related to providing fake identity documents to people who were not in the country legally. Reportedly, convictions on the white-collar crimes charges they face could see each of the three defendants behind bars for up to 15 years. Two of the defendants are a father and son from West Michigan, and the third defendant is from another state.
Federal prosecutors say the guilty pleas were part of plea agreements. Court documents indicate that the arrest of the 51-year-old father and his 28-year-old son along with the 37-year-old third defendant happened in June. The three pleaded guilty to working with someone on a Caribbean island who produced fake identity documents using the names of legitimate citizens in the United States.
The father and son then bring their customers from the East Coast to Michigan and provide them with bills, paychecks and leases in the fake names. These documents were then used to convince the staff at the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office that they were residents of the state, in order to get driver’s licenses. The charges to which they pleaded guilty include conspiracy to transfer ID documents, and other identification means to obtain driver’s licenses fraudulently.
Anyone who faces white-collar crimes in Michigan may find that having an experienced criminal defense attorney in his or her corner can be an asset. A lawyer can assess the charges and the evidence to determine the most appropriate steps to take. If the lawyer suggests a guilty plea, he or she can work to secure a plea deal that might lead to the best possible outcome.