Naturalized Citizen Indicted for Hiding Sexual Assaults on Citizenship Application
Published Sep 3, 2026
A naturalized U.S. citizen in Nevada has been indicted for allegedly concealing two sexual assaults when applying for naturalization. USCIS investigated the case, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada announced the charges.
Key points
- Kevin Jesus King allegedly committed sexual assaults in July 2017 and March 2018.
- He did not disclose either assault on his Form N-400 filed in January 2018 or during his USCIS interview under oath in June 2018.
- King obtained U.S. citizenship 11 days after that interview.
- In July 2024, King pleaded guilty in Nevada state court to the sexual assaults.
- He is charged with one count of naturalization fraud, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- A jury trial is scheduled for Nov. 3; an indictment is only an allegation and King is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Who is affected
Naturalized U.S. citizens and applicants who may have concealed prior criminal conduct during the naturalization process.
What to do
Individuals who suspect immigration benefit fraud can report it to USCIS using the USCIS Tip Form.
Full text
The complete official text was archived on this site on 2026-10-12. It stays available here even if the source link changes or is removed.
Release Date
09/03/2026
RENO, Nev. — A naturalized U.S. citizen made his initial appearance in court Sept. 2 for allegedly lying about his prior criminal acts to obtain U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada announced the charges. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services investigated the case.
“Lying on a citizenship application is a serious crime. Under the Trump administration, if you cheat to get U.S. citizenship, expect the consequences,” said USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow. “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is working closely with the Department of Justice to identify, denaturalize, and hold accountable those who unlawfully obtain U.S. citizenship.”
“The integrity of our nation’s lawful immigration system relies entirely on honesty and transparency,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “When individuals lie about a violent or fraudulent criminal history to secure the privileges of American citizenship, they violate federal law and disrespect the millions of immigrants who follow the legal process correctly. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who use deceit to obtain these sacred rights."
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Jesus King committed sexual assault in July 2017 and March 2018. In both instances, King forcibly penetrated his victims and used threats of physical harm to force his victims to perform sexual acts.
As alleged, King submitted a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS on Jan. 23, 2018, in which he failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault and falsely denied ever committing a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested. During a June 4, 2018, interview under oath with a USCIS officer, King again failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault, as well as a March 2018 sexual assault, and again falsely denied ever committing a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested. Eleven days later, King obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
On July 25, 2024, King admitted to the July 2017 and March 2018 sexual assaults when he pleaded guilty in Nevada state court.
King, also known as “Kevin Jesus Lopez Vargas,” “Kevin Lopez-Vargas,” Kevin Lopez,” and “Kevin Vagas,” was charged with one count of naturalization fraud. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for Nov. 3. The District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit USCIS.gov or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.
09/03/2026
Original title: Naturalized U.S. Citizen Indicted for Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing Felonies
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