In Portsmouth: Man Gives False Info To Gain U.S. Passport

PORTSMOUTH, NH — A Brazilian man has pleaded guilty to making false statements to gain a U.S. passport, in his application at the Portsmouth Passport Center. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Robson Xavier-Gomes, a Brazilian citizen, obtained a U.S. passport in 1996 using his own photograph and information belonging to a U.S. citizen. When he went to renew the passport in April, he again using someone else's information. He later admitted to investigators his true identity, and that he falsely used another person's information for the passport, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

"Crimes involving the falsification of identification documents can cause significant damage to victims, as well as the integrity of government operations," said U.S. Attorney Scott Murray. "It is essential that we maintain confidence in the truth and accuracy of U.S. passports. To that end, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who use fraud or false statements to obtain passports."

Xavier-Gomes is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Aug. 28.

"The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and our local law enforcement partners in New Hampshire to investigate and prosecute all allegations of criminal activity related to passport and visa fraud," said William B. Gannon, special agent in charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Boston Field Office. "The strong relationship we enjoy with our federal and local law enforcement partners is vital towards ensuring the integrity of U.S. travel documents and protecting greater U.S. interests."

DSS was the agency investigating Xavier-Gomes' case.