Fake ID sellers from Va., Rhode Island sentenced

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Two more participants in a sophisticated multistate fake identification ring have been sentenced in federal court in Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Dana Boente (BEN-tay) says 35-year-old Ivan Patino Sanchez of Richmond was sentenced this week to eight years in prison and 46-year-old Felipe Alvarado Gonzalez of Pawtuckett, Rhode Island, was sentenced to five years. Both pleaded guilty to racketeering and money laundering conspiracy. Patino Sanchez also pleaded guilty to robbery.

According to court papers, Patino Sanchez managed the ring’s Richmond cell and plotted to assault and rob a competing fake ID seller. Alvarado Gonzalez managed the Pawtucket cell.

The two men participated in an enterprise that was restarted after being dismantled by federal authorities in 2010. The two investigations have resulted in 42 convictions. Nine defendants await sentencing.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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