Man sentenced to 122 days for false documents

A Guatemalan man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday after authorities discovered he had fraudulent immigration papers in Jerauld County in November 2010.

Nelson Miraldo Lopez Y Lopez, 27, was turned over to U.S. marshals after he was sentenced to 122 days in custody for possession of a fraudulent permanent resident card, also called a green card.

Authorities discovered the fake documents after Lopez presented his permanent resident card at the Jerauld County Treasurer’s Office on Nov. 15, 2010, after completing vehicle registration documents.

While the number on the card was valid, it was discovered it had been issued under another name.

Lopez was indicted on the charge by a federal grand jury Oct. 4, 2011. He pleaded guilty to the indictment on Dec. 12, 2011.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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