SOS staff first identified, investigated fraudulent paperwork before turning over findings to state, federal law enforcement

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today praised her office’s staff for detecting and investigating a suspected document fraud and identity theft ring, and ensuring the suspects were prosecuted and convicted. Three individuals pleaded guilty recently to federal crimes after Secretary of State staff turned over their investigation to state and federal law enforcement agencies.

“These prosecutions should be a warning to anyone who believes they can get away with passing fraudulent documents at a Secretary of State office: Felony convictions and possible time in federal prison lie ahead for you,” Johnson said.
 
Pleading guilty were Eddie Michael Balderramas, 51, and his son, Michael James Balderramas, 28, both of Kalamazoo, and Michelle Martinez-Marte, 37, of Rhode Island. According to the plea agreements, between April 4, 2016 and July 20, 2017, the three defendants allegedly conspired to assist individuals primarily from the Dominican Republic who were not legally present in the United States in obtaining Michigan driver’s licenses using false or stolen Puerto Rican identification documents.

“I am grateful and proud of the role that the Secretary of State Office of Investigative Services played in the investigation that will put these criminals behind bars as well as the excellent work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Michigan State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration,” Johnson said. “These convictions would not have been possible without the incredible teamwork shown by all of the agencies.”

After receiving information about an individual with a fraudulently issued Michigan driver’s license who had been arrested out of state, the Secretary of State Office of Investigative Services’ staff worked with other state and federal law enforcement agencies over the past year. Irregularities in driver’s license applications and other documents were just some of the red flags that tipped off Office of Investigative Services’ staff to the illegal activity. Once the activities of the Balderramases at Secretary of State offices were identified by investigators, federal and state law enforcement agencies were contacted.

The defendants face up to 15 years in prison on the conspiracy charge. Martinez-Marte and Eddie Balderramas face an additional 2 years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. Martinez-Marte faces an additional 2 years in prison for an additional conviction of illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously deported.

With fraudulent identification, recipients are more easily able to get loans and open credit card accounts under the name of the person’s identity that was stolen, possibly resulting in the victim owing the money.

As part of her focus on strengthening the department’s consumer protection efforts and to fight fraud, Johnson created the Office of Investigative Services, which inspects automotive-related businesses and investigates consumer complaints and suspected fraudulent activity. The office has made 468 criminal investigation referrals since its creation.

Michigan residents who want to pass on a tip about possible fraudulent activity involving driver’s licenses or other Secretary of State services are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services complaint line at (517) 335-1410.