WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 44-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, Edgar Flores Robles, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) on multiple felony fraud charges after authorities discovered he had stolen another man’s identity to gain employment.
The investigation began on January 26, 2025, when a victim reported that his personal information was being used for employment at Carpenter Contractors of America in Winter Haven. Detectives worked with the company’s Human Resources department and obtained documents showing the victim’s stolen Social Security number and passport ID were being used fraudulently.
The victim recalled losing his wallet years ago in Plant City, which contained those sensitive documents. Authorities determined that Robles had been working under the stolen identity since March 2024, illegally earning approximately $27,000 in wages.
Further investigation revealed that Robles originally entered the U.S. on an H2A Visa in 2019, but his visa expired within months, making him an unlawful overstay. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) confirmed that he had remained in the country illegally.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated,
“Identity theft can be a difficult and time-consuming crime for victims. Had our suspect left the country when he was supposed to, this crime might never have happened.”
Initially facing three felonies and one misdemeanor, Robles’ immigration status resulted in charge enhancements. His official charges now include:
Obtain Property by Fraud (F1)
Uttering a False Instrument (F2)
Criminal Use of Personal Information (F2)
Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (F3)
Robles remains in custody, and further legal proceedings are pending.
