McDonald Managers Oscar Lazo and Eva Ramos Arrested For Selling Stolen Identities

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Federal authorities said two managers of a local McDonald's restaurant were taken into custody Wednesday for conspiring to sell stolen identities of American citizens.

U.S. Attoey Edward J. Tarver said a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday details the charges against Oscar Lazo, 51, a Peruvian citizen, Eva Ramos, 35, a U.S. citizen, Maurcio Cruz and Manuel Cruz, both of Mexico, and another person.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents started investigating the case in July 2010. The indictment said Lazo and Ramos, managers of a local McDonald's, sold stolen identities to illegal immigrants so they could get jobs at the restaurant. Authorities said Maurcio Cruz and Manuel Cruz used the stolen identities to get a job with the restaurant.

Authorities also said Lazo and Ramos are facing charges of harboring illegal aliens.

If convicted on all counts, Lazo and Ramos face a maximum sentence of more than 100 years in prison, while Mauricio Cruz and Manuel Cruz face up to 37 years in prison.

Local and federal officers executed search warrants at the McDonald's at Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway, the McDonald's on Ogeechee Road at Berwick Plantation, and the Savannah corporate headquarters, according to ICE Resident Agent in Charge Jason Gialanella.

Gialanella said nine people at the two locations were taken into custody for being here illegally. He said agents also seized documents as evidence in the case, and so far they have identified six U.S. citizens whose identities were stolen.

"We do work quite a bit of identity and benefit fraud investigations, is what we call it and we see Social Security cards, green cards, drivers licenses. It's important for people to understand that it compromises the entire system. It compromises our immigration system and the security of the community," said Gialanella.

Nina Gompels is the McDonald's Franchise Owner in Savannah.  She released the following statement: "I am shocked and saddened by today’s events. The alleged actions by these employees in no way reflect the values of my restaurant organization.  I care very much about my customers and the community and take matters like these seriously. My organization will continue to work with the authorities.