Overview
- On Sept. 15, a U.S. District Court in Maryland granted the Justice Department’s motion to denaturalize Jorge Antonio Graciano Lara, with the DOJ announcing the ruling on Sept. 16 after suing in November 2024.
- Graciano Lara was convicted in 2017 of second-degree rape after pleading guilty to having intercourse with a victim under 14 and admitted repeated abuse over four years while threatening her to keep silent.
- The court found he lacked the good moral character required for naturalization, gave false testimony to obtain an immigration benefit, and secured citizenship through concealment or willful misrepresentation.
- The case was investigated under Operation Prison Lookout with assistance from HSI and ICE, and was prosecuted by DOJ Trial Attorney Bradley M. Brinkman of the Office of Immigration Litigation.
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said the department will continue pursuing denaturalization of criminals who hide unlawful acts from immigration officials.