Woman convicted of fraud after living under a stolen identity for more than 20 years

An undocumented Colombian woman living in Boston was convicted in federal court on Tuesday of identity theft and voter fraud after prosecutors said she used a stolen identity to get government benefits, multiple state IDs, and apply for a U.S. passport, federal prosecutors announced.

Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, who has been living in the U.S. without legal status for 20 years, was convicted of multiple identity theft–related offenses, including falsely using a Social Security number, making a false statement on a U.S. passport application, aggravated identity theft, receiving stolen government funds, and fraudulent voting, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Orovio-Hernandez was charged in a superseding indictment in May 2025, following an earlier indictment filed after her arrest in February 2025. She has remained in federal custody since then.

Prosecutors said Orovio-Hernandez used the false identity to get nine state-issued identification cards, including a Massachusetts Real ID, apply for a U.S. passport, and cast a fraudulent ballot in the November 2024 presidential election.

She also received about $400,000 in federal benefits, including nearly $260,000 in Section 8 assistance, $101,000 in Social Security disability payments, and more than $43,000 in SNAP benefits.

“Ms. Orovio-Hernandez has lived in this country illegally for two decades, during which time she repeatedly made false statements, stole, committed fraud and even voted illegally,” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement.

“Her repeated criminal acts are a slap in the face to all those who come into this country legally and abide by our laws. The air of entitlement is astounding. This case is yet another example of our commitment to rooting out those who violate our immigration laws and steal from United States Citizens,” Foley said.

The charges carry sentences ranging from five to 10 years in prison, along with fines of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release. Prosecutors said the charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence to be served consecutively. 

Prosecutors said Orovio-Hernandez faces deportation after finishing any prison sentence.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.