Kansas Pair Pleaded Guilty to Fraudulent Sponsorship Scheme
Two individuals admitted to submitting false statements to obtain custody of an unaccompanied minor.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Romulo Hernandez Murillo and Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo pleaded guilty to federal charges for submitting a fraudulent sponsorship application. The pair sought to gain custody of an unaccompanied minor by lying to government officials.
Why it matters
The case highlights the federal oversight processes intended to protect unaccompanied minors within the immigration system. Defendants who circumvent these protocols face significant prison time for their deceptive practices.
Romulo Hernandez Murillo and Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo both pleaded guilty to making a false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement. Sentencing for both defendants is currently scheduled for January 6, 2027.
The players
Romulo Hernandez Murillo
He is a 46-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent statements to federal authorities.
Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo
She is a 49-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and submitting false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Office of Refugee Resettlement
This is a federal agency responsible for providing care and services to unaccompanied children who arrive in the United States.
The details
Lopez Perdomo submitted an application containing false information and photographs, including claims that Hernandez Murillo resided at her Syracuse, Kansas address. Lopez Perdomo further assisted the scheme by posing as a household member during a telephone conversation with an HHS employee to facilitate the custody transfer.
Timeline
December 2025: Romulo Hernandez Murillo entered federal custody.
January 2026: Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo entered federal custody.
September 30, 2026: The defendants entered their guilty pleas.
January 6, 2027: The court scheduled the defendants for sentencing.
Legal Context
This case reflects the enforcement challenges inherent in the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. The prosecution follows a pattern of enforcement regarding the vetting procedures mandated for the custody of unaccompanied minors under the act.
This investigation confirms that federal agencies maintain rigorous verification protocols for individuals seeking custody of minors. Residents are reminded that providing false information to federal officials can lead to immediate arrest and long-term imprisonment.
The takeaway
Fraudulent attempts to bypass federal vetting for minor custody will lead to severe legal consequences, including potential multi-year prison sentences. Legal experts suggest that transparency and accuracy in government filings remain the only way to avoid federal criminal prosecution.
What happens next
Sentencing for both Romulo Hernandez Murillo and Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo is scheduled to take place on January 6, 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on how authorities track illicit activities, visit the Financial Crime section.
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