A 54-year old man was sentenced to one charge of identity theft in circuit court Monday.
Alfredo Viera pled guilty Monday afternoon through assistance from an interpreter. He was charged with using the social security number for a deceased individual to obtain a vehicle title. Viera obtained the vehicle title July 25, 2009. According to the State's Attorney's office, the identity theft charges were filed in 2012, following an investigation by the sheriff's office after a traffic stop involving Viera in September 2011.
During sentencing, Viera's attorney Manuel DeCastro said his client is here illegally, but he was here working and has no known criminal record. DeCastro said Viera also knows he will eventually go before immigration officials in Minneapolis.
DeCastro asked for credit for the 41 days Viera has already spent in jail.
Circuit Judge Tim D. Tucker sentenced Viera to one year in the state penitentiary giving credit for time served. After serving his time, Tucker said, Viera will be turned over to immigration officials for deportation.
"The court anticipates you will serve another 45 days," Tucker said.
DeCastro reappeared later on behalf of Viera asking for credit for 15 days Viera served in Sioux Falls. DeCastro said he wasn't certain if he was in custody there on the same charges but he would find out. Tucker said if he was in custody for the same charges he would receive credit for the additional time served.
Send us your community news, events, letters to the editor and other suggestions. Now, you can submit birth, wedding and engagement announcements online too!
