Federal agents searching Thursday morning for five alleged illegal migrants wanted in credit-fraud cases across Orange County and Long Beach arrested one suspect after he nearly made an unexpected escape in his vehicle.
The California Post witnessed agents armed with guns and drones apprehend Abel Ávila Martínez, 48, of Buena Park. The Mexican national had previously been removed from the United States in 1999 and is accused of using fraudulent Social Security numbers to accumulate thousands of dollars in debt.
Agents reportedly used drones to track Ávila Martínez as he left his home before dawn and walked roughly a quarter-mile through his quiet Orange County neighborhood to a parked car.
As he got into the vehicle and prepared to leave, about 20 tactical agents moved in. They blocked the car with their own unmarked vehicles and ordered him to surrender.
“Put your hands up and don’t move,” one agent shouted as searchlights illuminated Ávila Martínez and officers pointed their weapons toward him. He complied, raising both hands before agents approached the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs.
According to court documents, Ávila Martínez used fake Social Security numbers to apply for credit with retailers and online payment services. He allegedly incurred at least $15,964 in debt through purchases made using the fraudulent identification numbers.
EXPLORE MORE: Bedford Train Crash Survivors Urge New Rail Safety Systems
He filed for bankruptcy in May of last year in an effort to discharge the debt. In the filing, Ávila Martínez admitted using a false Social Security number to obtain credit, which alerted federal investigators to the alleged scheme.
Ávila Martínez was among at least three alleged illegal migrants arrested in the broader operation. Investigations into each suspect were reportedly prompted by the use of a fraudulent Social Security number.
“This sweep resulted in the arrest of illegal aliens charged with stealing Americans’ Social Security numbers to obtain credit, run up debt, and then seek to erase over $140,000 through bankruptcy,” First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said.
“These defendants allegedly exploited both our financial system and the bankruptcy process,” he added.
Each defendant faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
