News Summary
Three men from Greenwood County face charges of forgery and identity theft after a SLED investigation. The suspects allegedly used fraudulent identities to gain employment at a local casting plant. Each faces multiple charges connected to identity fraud and the use of fake documents. The case has been referred to the local solicitor’s office for prosecution. Investigations into employment-related identity fraud continue to raise concerns about integrity and safety in the hiring process.
Greenwood County, South Carolina – Three men from Greenwood County have been arrested and charged with forgery and identity theft following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Selvin Romairo Alfaro-Perez, 57-year-old Alfonso Telez-Tlatelpa, and 43-year-old Rudy Udiel Alfaro-Morales, were taken into custody as part of a broader identity fraud case initiated by the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office.
The allegations state that Alfaro-Perez and Telez-Tlatelpa used fraudulent identities to fill out I-9 forms for employment at Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Castings in Abbeville, a facility where metal castings are manufactured. Both suspects reportedly presented fake identification documents, including Social Security cards, to obtain their jobs. In addition, Alfaro-Morales is accused of using counterfeit employment verification cards that carried his name and date of birth, further implicating him in the fraudulent activities.
All three individuals face charges of forgery. In addition to this, Alfaro-Perez and Telez-Tlatelpa are also charged with identity fraud specifically related to acquiring employment. Detailed records indicate that on October 3, 2023, Alfaro-Perez allegedly presented a fraudulent South Carolina ID and Social Security card to secure his position at the casting plant. Alfaro-Morales is accused of the same offense, utilizing fraudulent documents to gain employment at Burnstein Von Seelen Precision Castings on that same date. Telez-Tlatelpa’s alleged fraudulent document use occurred on November 14, 2022, at the same facility.
The three suspects were subsequently booked into the Abbeville County Detention Center following their arrests. The case has been handed over to the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office for prosecution.
Background on Identity Fraud in Employment
Identity fraud, particularly in relation to employment, has emerged as a significant issue across the United States. Employing individuals under false pretenses not only affects companies’ integrity but can also pose threats to national security and public safety. Organizations are expected to conduct thorough background checks and verify identity documents during the hiring process to mitigate these risks.
Implications of Fraudulent Employment
The use of forged documentation for employment purposes has serious legal consequences. Individuals caught engaging in such activities may face criminal charges leading to fines and imprisonment. Additionally, businesses can suffer reputational damage, financial losses, and potential liability for hiring individuals under false identities. Addressing identity fraud continues to be a critical issue for law enforcement agencies, employers, and policymakers across the country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Residents Charged in Major Health Care Fraud Scheme
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Three South Carolina Men Charged in Identity Fraud Investigation
- Wikipedia: Identity Fraud
- WYFF: Fraudulent IDs in Employment Upstate South Carolina
- Google Search: Employment Identity Fraud
- Indiana Lawyer: Greenwood Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Schemes
- Google Scholar: Identity Fraud Employment
- Index Journal: Aiken Man Faces ID Fraud Charge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Forgery
- Denver 7: Cyber Identity Thieves Target Greenwood Village Medical Practice
- Google News: Identity Theft
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
