Colombian National Accused of Voting Illegally in 2024, Stealing Over $400K in U.S. Benefits

A Colombian woman living illegally in the United States has been indicted on multiple federal charges after allegedly assuming a stolen identity for over 20 years, illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election, and fraudulently collecting more than $400,000 in taxpayer-funded benefits,  as reported by The New York Post.

Meet Colombian national Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, who’s living in the US illegally under a stolen identity. She voted in the 2024 elections and received $400k in taxpayer funded benefits.

She was charged with false representation of a Social Security number, making a false… pic.twitter.com/2cydJK7k0v

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 23, 2025

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Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that 59-year-old Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez faces six criminal counts, including false representation of a Social Security number, making a false statement on a passport application, aggravated identity theft, receipt of stolen government funds, fraudulent voter registration, and unlawful voting.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Orovio-Hernandez used the stolen identity to register to vote in January 2023. Surveillance footage later captured her wearing an “I Voted” sticker at a bank on November 5, 2024—Election Day—confirming her participation in the federal election.

Orovio-Hernandez, who has been in federal custody since February, allegedly applied for a U.S. passport by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico.

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Authorities say she also used the stolen identity to secure government-issued identification, including a REAL ID and eight state ID cards.

BREAKING: Illegal charged with stealing $400,000 in benefits and voting in the 2024 election under a stolen identity

Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, is accused of using a stolen identity to obtain welfare benefits, a REAL ID, and eight additional state IDs

Prosecutors allege… pic.twitter.com/AIQGWhe22c

— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) May 23, 2025

The Justice Department detailed the extent of the fraud, stating she improperly received $259,589 in Section 8 housing assistance from 2011 through January 2025, $101,257 in Social Security disability benefits from 2014 through January 2025, and $43,348 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from 2005 through the start of this year.

“For more than 20 years, this defendant is alleged to have built an entire life on the foundation of a stolen identity—including illegally voting in our presidential election and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits intended for Americans in need,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley in a statement.

Foley added that the right to vote and access to social safety net programs are reserved for American citizens and legal residents.

“Government-funded programs for those in need are intended to be safety nets for those living in our country lawfully—not support an illegal alien without a right to be here,” she said.

Amy Connelly, special agent in charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General for the Boston-New York division, echoed Foley’s remarks.

“Stealing someone’s identity to unlawfully obtain Social Security benefits is not just theft—it’s a long-term abuse of a system meant to support those truly in need.”

Orovio-Hernandez remains in federal custody pending further legal proceedings.

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