In a shocking revelation, Lena Maria Orovio Hernandez, a 59-year-old illegal immigrant, has been arrested for voting in the 2024 presidential election and stealing nearly $400,000 in taxpayer funds. The Department of Justice has charged her with a staggering array of crimes, including aggravated identity theft, fraudulent voting, and receiving government benefits under false pretenses.
Hernandez, a Colombian national, allegedly lived under a stolen identity for over 20 years, securing nine state IDs and defrauding the government of more than $259,000 in rental subsidies, $110,000 in Social Security benefits, and $43,000 in food stamps. Surveillance footage captured her with an “I Voted” sticker after casting her ballot, raising alarms about the security of election integrity.
The investigation began when law enforcement confronted Hernandez about her identity, leading to the discovery of her extensive fraudulent activities. When agents attempted to arrest her, she attempted to flee through a window, indicating a clear intent to evade capture. Evidence suggests she was aware of the gravity of her situation, having even inquired about the battery life of her monitoring bracelet.
Hernandez’s criminal complaint highlights her use of multiple identities, with a passport application revealing her fraudulent claims of US citizenship. The charges include false representation of a Social Security number and fraudulent registration to vote, directly undermining the principle of one citizen, one vote.
As Hernandez faces serious charges and a potential mandatory minimum sentence, the DOJ has argued she poses a significant flight risk, given her history of deception and lack of ties to the community. This alarming case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the electoral process and raises urgent questions about immigration policies and the safeguarding of taxpayer resources. The court has denied her release, and as the case unfolds, the implications could reverberate through the political landscape.