A Dominican Republic national has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for assuming a U.S. citizen’s identity to vote in multiple federal elections, among other federal crimes.
Carlos Abreu, 36, was sentenced to 65 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to charges in two consolidated federal cases. The offenses include falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote, voting using the identity of a U.S. citizen, unlawful possession of firearms, passport fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Upon completion of his prison term, Abreu is required to surrender to immigration authorities for removal proceedings.
According to court records, Abreu illegally entered the United States and in 2007 assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen identified as “C.R.V.,” a Puerto Rico resident who was unaware of the impersonation. Using C.R.V.’s name and personal information, Abreu obtained a Florida driver’s license, registered to vote in 2016, renewed that registration in 2020, and voted in the 2016 and 2022 federal elections.
Prosecutors said Abreu also secured a Florida concealed carry permit under the false identity and purchased four firearms. In 2021, he attempted to obtain U.S. passports for himself and his two daughters using the same fraudulent credentials.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office, with support from DSS’ San Juan Resident Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brianna Coakley and Daniel Rosenfeld prosecuted the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadya Z. Cheatham handling asset forfeiture.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and Acting DSS Special Agent in Charge Michael Conklin announced the sentencing on Thursday.
