MIDVALE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A raid at a Midvale apartment Friday shut down a fraudulent identification card mill and drug operation, according to the Utah Attorney General's SECURE Strike Force.
Six undocumented men from Mexico were arrested after a lengthy investigation. Authorities said the men were selling methamphetamine and false Social Security cards, driver licenses and alien registration cards ("green cards"). A cache of fraudulent documents and methamphetamine packaged for sale were discovered.
A resident of the apartment complex who wished to remain anonymous said many people are fearful to talk about the illegal activity because it is so prevalent in their community.
Francisco Javier Manenche-Bracamontes, 25, is charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of fraudulent identification and obstruction of justice.
Juan Zacapala-Bacho, 22, is charged with possession of forged writing
Joel Pineda-Prudente, 27, is charged with possession of forged writing.
Flavio Sorroza-Vasquez, 31, is charged with false information to police (prior deportation).
Jose Larios-Lopez, 44, is charged with aggravated felon/prior deportation and aggravated re-entry.
Cesar Cirino Manenche-Torres, 34, is charged with prior deportation and re-entry.
According to the attorney general's office, residents of the apartment complex applauded the law enforcement officers after they removed the alleged drug traffickers.
This is the 29th fraudulent document production mill shut down by the SECURE Strike Force since it was started just more than 2 years ago. The Strike Force targets major crimes by undocumented aliens.
