Mayorie Fernandez-Ormeno, a 37-year-old from Chile, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for a wide-ranging identity theft and access device fraud scheme that stretched across multiple states and left dozens of Americans harmed; she faces deportation after serving her sentence and must repay $47,218.84 in restitution.
A federal judge ordered 45 months behind bars for Mayorie Fernandez-Ormeno after she pleaded guilty to five counts tied to a long-running identity theft operation. The charges include conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, attempted access device fraud, aggravated identity theft and illegal reentry after deportation.
Prosecutors say Fernandez-Ormeno had been removed from the United States in the past and then unlawfully returned in October 2023, only to resume criminal activity. Court records show the scheme unfolded between February 1, 2024, and April 25, 2024, and involved stealing and using credit cards taken from customers at retail locations.
Officials tied the conspiracy to fraud affecting 18 victims across seven states, with total losses recorded at $47,218.84. Local reporting and charging documents point to thefts in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon as part of the pattern that generated those losses.
“This defendant showed no respect for our laws,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “She illegally entered the country and then made a living stealing other people’s identities. Those who thumb their nose at our sovereignty and prey on hardworking Americans will face the full force of federal law. Our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law.”
Federal authorities returned a superseding indictment in February 2025 following Fernandez-Ormeno’s arrest in Philadelphia, and she pleaded guilty ahead of sentencing. After completing her federal sentence she is expected to be removed from the country under immigration law.
Investigators say Fernandez-Ormeno and a coconspirator targeted unsuspecting shoppers, took credit cards during ordinary purchases and then used the cards for personal benefit. That pattern of theft and opportunistic fraud is familiar to law enforcement and often costly for victims who must recover compromised credit and financial records.
HSI Chicago detailed its role in the probe and emphasized cross-jurisdictional cooperation that led to the case being brought to federal court. “This sentence demonstrates the consequences for those who exploit stolen identities and victimize hardworking Americans across multiple states,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI will continue to aggressively investigate transnational fraud schemes and work with our partners to ensure that those who commit these crimes are brought to justice and held financially accountable to their victims.”
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard, with support from Homeland Security Investigations and the Edwardsville Police Department. Prosecutors secured restitution in federal court so victims have a monetary judgment, and the sentence sends a clear message that transnational fraud will be pursued.
This prosecution is connected to a broader federal effort labeled Operation Take Back America, which marshals Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”).
The Fraud Division is described as focused on investigating and prosecuting fraud that targets Americans and federal benefit programs, aligning with a broader federal push to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse. That initiative dovetails with policy priorities aimed at tightening enforcement and holding criminals accountable, especially when illegal reentry combines with predatory schemes.
The Fernandez-Ormeno case is a reminder that criminal networks often exploit porous borders and gaps in enforcement to commit interstate crimes. From a Republican perspective, tougher immigration controls and robust coordination between federal and local law enforcement are the clear remedies to stop damaging schemes that prey on ordinary citizens.
