Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison After Using a Stolen Identity to Vote in U.S. Elections

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia

An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced yesterday to two years and nine months in prison for aggravated identity theft and making false statements in a passport application.

According to court documents, Jose Maria Hernandez Bautista, 43, previously was deported from the United States in 2007 and twice in 2011. Following his most recent removal, Hernandez Bautista unlawfully re-entered the United States and by March 2013 began using the identity of a U.S. citizen. Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to obtain driver licenses in Alabama in 2013 and North Carolina in 2015. In 2013 and again in 2015 Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to obtain replacement Social Security cards. On April 14, 2016, Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s personal identifying information along with a photo of himself to apply for and obtain a United States passport.

In 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024, Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to apply for and receive Virginia identification cards or driver’s licenses. In an application dated May 16, 2016, Hernandez Bautista registered to vote in the victim’s name. Hernandez Bautista then used that fraudulent voter registration to vote in the 2016 and 2020 federal elections.

In 2019, Hernandez Bautista took out a line of credit in the victim’s name to purchase a vehicle. Between 2016 and 2021, he received at least seven traffic tickets in Virginia and Maryland, all under the victim’s name.

Homeland Security Investigations - Washington, D.C., and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General investigated this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Bolzman prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-27.