Kenneth Magidson. Photo from U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas

Two people from Texas were indicted in federal court on charges that they sold fake tribal membership documents to immigrants.

According to U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Humberto Reveles, 60, and Maria Isabel Lerma, 31, told immigrants that membership in the "Yamassee" tribe would prevent them from being deported.

Reveles and Lerma were indicted on 12 counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and possessed with the intent to transfer five or more identification documents, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Reveles faces additional charges for carrying identification documents that appear to be issued under the authority of the United States, for fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents, and for impersonating a diplomat.

Get the Story:
Feds: Brownsville couple sold fake Indian tribe membership to illegal immigrants (The Brownsville Herald 10/31)
Two accused of selling membership in fake Indian tribe (The McAllen Monitor 10/31)
2 South Texans charged with selling membership to fake tribe (KSAT 10/30)