Man Accused of Lying About Sex Assaults to Secure US Citizenship in Nevada

Federal prosecutors have brought charges against a Nevada resident, alleging he secured U.S. citizenship through deception by concealing two instances of sexual assault committed both before and during his naturalization process.

The Department of Justice has formally accused Kevin Jesus King of naturalization fraud. The indictment asserts that King provided false information on his 2018 application for U.S. citizenship, specifically by denying he had ever committed or aided in an unarrested offense, or misrepresented facts to government officials.

Officials confirm that in both instances, King marked “No” on his application. He was granted naturalized citizenship on June 15, 2018, in Reno.

Court records indicate that King entered a guilty plea on or around July 25, 2024, for two separate sexual assault charges. These incidents reportedly took place on or about July 25, 2017, and March 18, 2018.

Prosecutors stated, "As alleged, this defendant hid serious felony conduct while seeking the rights and benefits of citizenship. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the naturalization process."

The legal filing does not disclose King's country of origin.

Broader Context of Denaturalization Efforts

These charges emerge amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to intensify denaturalization proceedings, aiming to revoke the citizenship of foreign-born individuals suspected of obtaining it fraudulently or by concealing significant criminal activities during the naturalization process.

Earlier in the current month, the Department of Justice announced its intention to initiate proceedings to revoke the citizenship of 17 individuals, who are accused of gaining naturalization through fraudulent means or deception.

These individuals, representing 13 distinct nations, face accusations of severe criminal conduct, such as child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and substantial financial fraud.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citizenship obtained fraudulently carries potential penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and can lead to the automatic revocation of naturalized status.