A 31-year-old previously convicted thief from New Jersey admits using fraudulent identification documents to steal approximately $265,000.
Christopher I. Hernandez, of North Bergen, has pled guilty to fraudulently producing more than five identification documents and faces up to 15 years in federal prison, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for Western New York.
His sentencing is planned for November 17.
Hernandez was among a group of cybercriminals who acquired access to victims’ retirement accounts and subsequently withdrew the funds. According to federal authorities, Hernandez has ties to a Nigerian criminal operation.
Hernandez acknowledged to unlawfully obtaining a $175,400.80 check from a victim’s account in western New York in December 2024.
According to the affidavit, prosecutors tracked down Hernandez using bank data, security footage, shipping information, iCloud evidence, and victim statements.
He had previously received a $10,900 check in October 2024 and a $79,500.89 check in April 2024. According to court documents, he subsequently transferred all three into checking accounts he controlled for entities called Dead President’s Collector LLC and SwishhKennels LLC.
On June 7, 2025, detectives executed a search order on Hernandez’s iCloud account and discovered false driver’s licenses, social security cards, U.S. passports, credit cards, and bank cards, federal prosecutors stated.
On September 16, 2025, investigators attempted to execute a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence, but he sought to destroy evidence.
When law officials entered the home, they discovered other false driver’s licenses, social security cards, and credit cards, as well as the tools Hernandez used to generate the forged documents.
In total, authorities seized 67 debit/credit cards, 15 Social Security cards, nine passport cards, and over 100 driver’s licenses from 21 states.
Hernandez or those with whom he was affiliated attempted to get access to another 80 Mutual of America retirement accounts but were unsuccessful, according to court documents. The attempts originated from the same IP address.
He was first accused in 2025 with possessing and transferring counterfeit identification documents, aggravated identity theft, computer fraud, and conspiracy to commit computer fraud. Additional allegations included money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
His previous criminal record in New Jersey dates back to July 1, 2020, when he was detained by Guttenberg police and charged with five charges of credit card theft, fraud, and money laundering. Hernandez eventually pled guilty to credit card theft and paid a $155 fine.
In May 2022, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office charged Hernandez with 20 charges of assault, theft, forgery, and fraud-related crimes. He was eventually found guilty of aggravated assault/knowingly pointing a firearm and sentenced to 18 months in jail.
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