Beaufort County, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Five foreign nationals were arrested in Beaufort County for identity fraud, allegedly using a United States citizen’s Social Security Number to secure employment. All individuals were employed at a landscaping company and worked a combined 550 hours, earning between $10,000 and $15,000. Investigations revealed each used fraudulent SSNs belonging to other individuals, including a deceased citizen. The operation was conducted by local law enforcement in collaboration with immigration enforcement agencies, highlighting ongoing concerns around identity fraud and immigration issues within the employment sector.
Beaufort County, SC – Five foreign nationals were arrested in Beaufort County for identity fraud, facing charges for using a United States citizen’s Social Security Number (SSN) to obtain employment. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has confirmed that all five men were apprehended as part of an ongoing investigation following agreements to enforce immigration laws.
The arrested individuals include:
- Francisco Ramirez Santiago, 43
- Pablo Ramirez Santiago, 46
- Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon, 53
- Erick Alfons Clauel Gonzalez, 28
- Jose Moreno Romero, 56
According to the investigations, all men were employed at O’Hara Outdoor, a landscaping company based in Bluffton, SC, where they allegedly worked approximately 550 hours combined, earning between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages.
Specific allegations against the individuals include:
- Francisco Ramirez Santiago was reportedly using a fake SSN to secure his job.
- Pablo Ramirez Santiago was charged for using the Social Security Number of a California resident.
- Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon was arrested for using the SSN of a deceased U.S. citizen.
- Jose Moreno Romero was apprehended for using the SSN of a Virginia resident.
The Social Security Administration has verified that Francisco Ramirez Santiago received wages associated with the fraudulent SSN, illustrating the extent of identity theft in this operation.
The arrests followed an operation executed behind Southern Marsh Nursery, which involved multiple law enforcement vehicles and a drone, although there was no mention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the warrants connected to these charges. This operation has roots in agreements established between SLED, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and ICE’s 287(g) program focused on enforcing immigration laws.
All five men have been booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center, and the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will supervise the prosecution of these cases.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding identity fraud and immigration-related issues within the employment sector in the state. The coordinated effort between local law enforcement and federal agencies aims to address and mitigate such illegal activities.
FAQ
What were the charges against the five men arrested in Beaufort County?
The five men were charged with identity fraud for using another U.S. citizen’s Social Security Number to obtain employment.
Who are the individuals arrested?
The arrested individuals include Francisco Ramirez Santiago (43), Pablo Ramirez Santiago (46), Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon (53), Erick Alfons Clauel Gonzalez (28), and Jose Moreno Romero (56).
What company were the arrested men employed by?
They were employed at O’Hara Outdoor, a landscaping company located in Bluffton, SC.
What was the total amount earned by the five men during their employment?
During their employment, the five men collectively earned between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages.
Which office will oversee the prosecution of the cases?
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will oversee the prosecution of these cases.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC
Joint Immigration Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Bluffton
Five Arrested in Bluffton for Identity Fraud
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- WTOC
- WLTX
- Post and Courier
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Identity Fraud
- Google Search: Identity Fraud news
- Google Scholar: Identity Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Identity Fraud
- Google News: Identity Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
