Peach Tree Times

The Department of Justice revealed on March 7 that Diego Ibarra, brother of murder suspect Jose Ibarra, is facing federal charges for using a forged green card to secure employment at the University of Georgia. The authorities have linked Ibarra to a Venezuelan crime organization during the ongoing investigation into the death of nursing student Laken Riley.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia, Ibarra could face up to ten years in prison if convicted for possessing a fraudulent green card. The investigation involves several agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Athens-Clarke County Police Department, University of Georgia Police Department, and Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.

Fox 5 Atlanta reported that Diego Ibarra used his counterfeit green card to gain employment as a dishwasher at the University of Georgia. "He subsequently failed to submit further documentation required to keep the job and was never paid by the University," said a spokesperson for the university. "He has been fired." The authorities also pointed out his alleged connections with Tren de Argua, a Venezuelan crime gang, referencing tattoos and social media posts which suggest his affiliation. Ibarra had previously been arrested for driving under the influence and theft.

Fox 5 Atlanta also noted that Diego's brother, Jose Ibarra, is currently under suspicion for the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old former student at the University of Georgia. She was killed on February 22 while running around campus. Jose was detained in El Paso in September 2022 for illegal entry into the country but was released after processing. He had also been previously arrested in New York City for child endangerment but was again released.

According to Federal Newswire, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent claimed there exists a network operated by Mexican drug cartels and criminal smugglers. This network allegedly facilitates the creation and distribution of counterfeit IDs for immigrants seeking work in the United States. Recent reports indicate a surge in fraud cases across America, including identity theft.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia, which covers 70 counties out of Georgia's 159, is handling this case. The district includes military installations such as Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ft. Moore in Columbus, and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany. Peter D. Leary is the U.S. attorney of the district, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuting the Diego Ibarra case.