Nicaraguan National Guilty of Misuse of a Social Security Number

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on August 13, 2025, LEONARDO PARAMO-BARBAS ("PARAMO-BARBAS"), age 29, a resident of Nicaragua, pled guilty to misuse of a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). Sentencing is set for December 3, 2025, before the U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

PARAMO-BARBAS faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. PARAMO-BARBAS also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, on July 20, 2022, PARAMO-BARBAS illegally used a social security number, that was not his, for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining employment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.