Crime & Safety
Man Charged With Stealing Social Security Number for Work
Suspect had a Florida woman's Social Security number for 20 years, which he used to gain employment, according to a criminal complaint.
A Waukesha man is facing charges after he used a Florida woman’s Social Security number to obtain employment at a New Berlin garden center.
Lorenzo Lazcano Nevarez, 39, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court on Thursday with one count of identity theft for financial gain. If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
According to the criminal complaint:
Find out what's happening in Waukeshawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Nevarez was employed at Nature’s Nook Nursery in New Berlin in December when it was discovered he used someone else’s Social Security number to obtain employment. The issue was found after Nevarez submitted an injury claim and insurance workers discovered the Social Security number provided was for a 21-year-old Florida woman.
The company contacted the woman’s family, who contacted local investigators.
Find out what's happening in Waukeshawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Jan. 3, the owner of Nature’s Nook told police Nevarez is a seasonal employee and one of his best workers. Nevarez told police he bought the number 20 years ago in Chicago and used it to obtain employment in New Berlin and New Mexico.
He will make his initial appearance in court April 2.
