Diego Ibarra, the older brother of the man accused of murdering Augusta University student Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus, pleaded guilty on Monday to possessing a fraudulent green card.
Ibarra, a 29-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested on February 23, the day after Riley was found beaten to death near the university’s intramural fields. While he was not implicated in the murder, police discovered the counterfeit immigration document during their investigation.
According to authorities, Ibarra presented the fake green card to secure a temporary position as a dishwasher at UGA’s Bolton Dining Hall in early February. He never submitted the additional documentation required to continue the job and was never paid by the university.
Read: Illegal Immigrant Jose Ibarra Pleads Not Guilty In Georgia Murder Case Of Laken Riley
Federal prosecutors believe Ibarra may have ties to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan organized crime gang, based on tattoos on his neck and shoulder. However, no direct connection between Ibarra and the gang has been confirmed.
Ibarra’s guilty plea to two counts of possessing a fraudulent document carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count. His sentencing is scheduled for October 7.
Read: Georgia Grand Jury Indicts Illegal Immigrant Suspected In Brutal Murder Of Laken Riley
Meanwhile, Ibarra’s younger brother, Jose Ibarra, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in Riley’s death. He faces an indictment on ten charges in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court.
The Riley family has expressed relief at Diego Ibarra’s guilty plea, hoping it will bring them closer to justice for their daughter’s tragic death.
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