Three Mexican nationals, Crescencio Diaz-Diaz, 36, Marcelo Perez-Santiz, 33, and Roman Gomez-Diaz, 32, have pleaded guilty to immigration-related offenses in federal court in Pensacola, Florida. According to the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, John P. Heekin, Diaz-Diaz and Perez-Santiz admitted to illegal reentry after removal from the United States. All three defendants also pleaded guilty to possessing and using fraudulent employment documents.
“These criminal aliens tried to lie, cheat, and steal their way into this country by illegally crossing our borders and presenting false documentation. I deeply appreciate the close collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners that enabled these successful prosecutions, which continue to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by robustly enforcing our national immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Heekin.
The arrests followed a July 2025 execution of federal search warrants at Emerald Coast Lawns in Navarre and an adjacent residence. Authorities discovered that each defendant had presented fraudulent Social Security cards and permanent resident cards as part of their employment records. Immigration records indicated none of the men had legally entered the country; both Diaz-Diaz and Perez-Santiz had previously been deported. All three were sentenced to time served and will be deported.
Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno stated: “These convictions underscore our commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s employment systems. Using fraudulent work not only undermines lawful hiring practices but also exposes our communities to significant risks. The successful prosecution of these three illegal aliens reflects the diligent work of HSI and out partners. We will continue to enforce federal law and hold accountable those who engage in document fraud.”
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley added: “This case highlights our ongoing efforts to identify, arrest and remove people who violate federal immigration laws. FBI Jacksonville will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who undermine lawful immigration and ensure the security of our borders and communities.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Florida Highway Patrol, United States Marshals Service, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 offices under direction from the Attorney General handling litigation for its region. More information about public court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or through http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
