Federal prosecutors have charged a Nevada man with naturalization fraud for allegedly concealing two sexual assault convictions when applying for U.S. citizenship. Kevin Jesus King faces charges for lying on his 2018 application when asked if he had ever committed or assisted in an offense for which he was not arrested, or if he had ever lied to government officials.
King checked a box indicating "No" to these questions on his application, according to court documents cited by federal prosecutors. He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen during a ceremony in Reno on June 15, 2018. Later, on or about July 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two instances of sexual assault that occurred on or about July 25, 2017, and March 18, 2018.
"United States citizenship is one of the most meaningful privileges our Nation can bestow, and it cannot be obtained through lies, concealment, or fraud," said Sigal Chattah, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. "As alleged, this defendant hid serious felony conduct while seeking the rights and benefits of citizenship. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the naturalization process."
The indictment does not specify King's country of origin. Fraudulently obtaining citizenship is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and can result in automatic revocation of citizenship, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The charges come as the Justice Department continues efforts to denaturalize individuals who allegedly obtained citizenship through fraud or by concealing serious crimes. Earlier in October, the Justice Department announced it was moving to revoke the citizenship of 17 individuals from 13 different countries accused of serious criminal conduct, including child sexual abuse, narcotics trafficking, and large-scale financial fraud.