Investigation leads to 13 arrests in Paducah over alleged false Social Security numbers

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — Federal authorities arrested 13 people in the Paducah area following an investigation into the alleged use of false Social Security numbers on employment-related documents.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, the arrests took place May 21 and May 22 after a federal grand jury in Paducah returned indictments on April 14 and May 12.

Officials said eight individuals face federal criminal charges connected to the investigation. Those defendants will proceed through the federal court system.

Authorities said the remaining individuals were not criminally charged but are being held in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending removal proceedings and possible deportation.

Federal officials allege the investigation involved the use of false Social Security numbers on employment-related forms. Cases involving false information on employment documents can carry criminal penalties as well as immigration-related consequences, depending on the circumstances and charges involved.

Court proceedings are expected to provide additional details as the cases move forward.

All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.