We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Judge dismisses indictment in Kansas identity theft case

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has dismissed at the request of prosecutors the indictment against a woman who had been accused of obtaining her U.S. citizenship by falsely claiming an identity theft victim was her stepfather.

The government told the court Monday no further action against 48-year-old Antonia Vargas-Ortega is contemplated unless additional evidence is discovered.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson says the evidence today against her isn’t as compelling as prosecutors prefer to go forward with the case.

Her father, Ramon Perez-Rivera, was separately indicted for an identity theft scheme in which authorities say he legally changed a U.S. citizen’s name to his own. Her parents are charged with using the false identity to get food stamps and Medicaid, obtain a passport and driver’s license, and attempt to get Social Security benefits.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File