USCIS Assists in HSI Investigation of Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Naturalization Fraud

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services helped Homeland Security Investigations in a case of naturalization fraud, resulting in the indictment of Juan Antonio Ruiz, 47, a naturalized U.S. citizen.

The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury on March 18, alleges that Ruiz made false statements during his 2015 citizenship application and interview.

Ruiz, who became a U.S. citizen in June 2015, denied ever committing a crime during his application, interview, and naturalization oath ceremony. However, in May 2018, he was arrested for charges of sexual conduct with a minor under 15 and attempted molestation of a child, offenses committed between 2003 and 2008. Ruiz pleaded guilty to these charges in 2021 in Pima County, Arizona.

Naturalization fraud can lead to up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and loss of U.S. citizenship. The indictment is a formal charge and does not imply guilt. Ruiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

HSI conducted the investigation, and the prosecution is being handled by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

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