RENO, Nev. - A naturalized U.S. citizen made his initial appearance in court Sept. 2 for allegedly lying about his prior criminal acts to obtain U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada announced the charges. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services investigated the case.

"Lying on a citizenship application is a serious crime. Under the Trump administration, if you cheat to get U.S. citizenship, expect the consequences," said USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow. "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is working closely with the Department of Justice to identify, denaturalize, and hold accountable those who unlawfully obtain U.S. citizenship."

"The integrity of our nation's lawful immigration system relies entirely on honesty and transparency," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "When individuals lie about a violent or fraudulent criminal history to secure the privileges of American citizenship, they violate federal law and disrespect the millions of immigrants who follow the legal process correctly. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who use deceit to obtain these sacred rights."

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Jesus King committed sexual assault in July 2017 and March 2018. In both instances, King forcibly penetrated his victims and used threats of physical harm to force his victims to perform sexual acts.

As alleged, King submitted a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS on Jan. 23, 2018, in which he failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault and falsely denied ever committing a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested. During a June 4, 2018, interview under oath with a USCIS officer, King again failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault, as well as a March 2018 sexual assault, and again falsely denied ever committing a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested. Eleven days later, King obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

On July 25, 2024, King admitted to the July 2017 and March 2018 sexual assaults when he pleaded guilty in Nevada state court.

King, also known as "Kevin Jesus Lopez Vargas," "Kevin Lopez-Vargas," Kevin Lopez," and "Kevin Vagas," was charged with one count of naturalization fraud. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for Nov. 3. The District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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