Van Nuys Man Accused Of Creating Fake Passports, Drivers Licenses

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Two San Fernando Valley men were charged Tuesday by a federal grand jury after prosecutors said they sold fake passports, social security cards, driver's licenses and more as part of a "prolific" document trafficking ring.

Nestor "Daniel" Perez of Van Nuys, and Carlos Ayala "Juan Juarez" Hernandez of Granada Hills both pleaded not guilty to nine counts of production of false identification documents, seven counts of transferring false identification documents, and one count each of conspiracy and possession of five or more false identification documents.

Hernandez also pleaded not guilty to one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. A third defendant, Van Nuys man Miguel Juarez Guerrero, pleaded not guilty on Friday to 18 charges connected to the document ring.

According to prosecutors, the three men worked together to create fake IDs from multiple states, including California, Wyoming and Pennsylvania. Prosecutors said Hernandez and Guerrero received orders from customers over text message, and then told Perez who created the documents at a Van Nuys apartment solely used to create counterfeit documents.

Once the IDs were ready, Hernandez and Guerrero coordinated pickup times and locations, and received cash from the customers.

On January 7, the defendants had 21 fake passports, 68 social security cards, five green cards, 135 driver's licenses, and about 1,000 fake authentication seals, according to the indictment. The three men were arrested on January 27.

Perez, Hernandez and Guerrero could face decades in prison if convicted on all charges. A jury trial date has been set for April 6.