Federal authorities have indicted a Nevada man on charges of obtaining U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means after he allegedly concealed two sexual assault offenses during his naturalization process. Kevin Jesus King faces serious accusations of lying on official immigration documents about his criminal history, checking boxes that falsely indicated he had never committed any crimes before becoming a naturalized American citizen in mid-2018.
The Justice Department’s investigation revealed that King committed sexual assault on two separate occasions, both occurring before and during his citizenship application period. Court records indicate the first incident took place around July 25, 2017, while the second happened on March 18, 2018, just months before his naturalization ceremony. Despite these serious offenses, King denied any criminal conduct when asked on his citizenship application forms.
False statements on citizenship application documents
According to federal prosecutors, King completed his U.S. citizenship application in 2018, responding to critical questions about his criminal background. The forms specifically asked whether he had ever committed or assisted in any offense for which he was not arrested, and whether he had provided false information to government officials. In both instances, King marked “No” on the documents, authorities stated.
The naturalization ceremony proceeded on June 15, 2018, in Reno, Nevada, granting King full U.S. citizenship based on the information he provided. The indictment does not specify King’s country of origin or immigration status prior to his citizenship application.
Guilty plea to sexual assault charges years later
On July 25, 2024, King entered guilty pleas to two counts of sexual assault in connection with the 2017 and 2018 incidents. Court documents confirm these convictions, which exposed the discrepancies between his criminal record and the statements he made during the naturalization process. The guilty pleas triggered federal authorities to review his citizenship application for potential fraud.
- First sexual assault occurred on or about July 25, 2017
- Second assault took place on March 18, 2018
- Naturalization ceremony held June 15, 2018
- Guilty plea entered July 25, 2024
Federal prosecutors emphasize citizenship integrity
Sigal Chattah, U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, emphasized the gravity of obtaining citizenship through deception. She stated that American citizenship represents one of the nation’s most significant privileges and cannot be secured through lies, concealment, or fraudulent activity. Chattah noted that the defendant allegedly hid serious felony conduct while seeking the rights and benefits that come with citizenship.
The U.S. Attorney’s office confirmed its commitment to working with law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the naturalization process. Federal officials stressed that cases involving naturalization fraud undermine the immigration system and disrespect those who follow proper legal channels to become American citizens.
Trump administration expands denaturalization efforts
King’s case emerges amid intensified efforts by the Trump administration to revoke citizenship from individuals who obtained naturalization through fraud or by concealing serious criminal conduct. Earlier this month, the Justice Department announced moves to strip citizenship from 17 people who allegedly secured naturalization through deceptive means.
These individuals come from 13 different countries and face accusations of serious criminal behavior, including child sexual abuse, narcotics trafficking, and large-scale financial fraud schemes. The expanded denaturalization initiative targets foreign-born Americans who allegedly provided false information or omitted critical details during their citizenship applications.
Severe penalties for naturalization fraud
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, fraudulently obtaining citizenship carries significant legal consequences. Convicted offenders face up to 10 years in federal prison. Additionally, the conviction automatically triggers revocation of citizenship, stripping individuals of all rights and benefits associated with American nationality.
The naturalization fraud charge against King represents federal authorities’ determination to prosecute cases where applicants deliberately misrepresent their backgrounds to obtain citizenship. Immigration officials use these prosecutions to deter others from attempting similar fraud and to maintain public confidence in the naturalization system’s reliability and fairness.
