Bluffton, September 27, 2025
News Summary
In Bluffton, South Carolina, five foreign nationals were arrested for identity fraud linked to their employment at a local landscaping company. The suspects utilized false Social Security numbers to gain employment, working collectively for approximately 550 hours and earning around $10,000 to $15,000. The arrests were conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division with community concerns arising about immigration enforcement efforts. The case underscores ongoing issues related to immigration and employment practices.
Bluffton, South Carolina: Five Foreign Nationals Arrested for Identity Fraud
Five foreign nationals were arrested in Bluffton, South Carolina, for committing identity fraud linked to their employment at a local landscaping company. The suspects include Francisco Ramirez Santiago (43), Pablo Ramirez Santiago (46), Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon (53), Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez (28), and Jose Moreno Romero (56). All five individuals have been charged with identity fraud for using false or fraudulent Social Security numbers to gain employment.
The arrests took place between January 1 and March 31 of this year. During this timeframe, the suspects collectively worked approximately 550 hours in various roles, earning between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages. All five have been classified as unlawfully present foreign nationals by officials from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted the arrests, with the prosecution of these cases managed by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. No reports indicated the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the warrants or any press releases associated with these arrests, despite earlier claims of cooperation. Support from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was noted during the operation.
Employment Details
The landscaping company implicated in this case, O’Hara Outdoors, is located in Bluffton. All five suspects utilized Social Security numbers that did not belong to them in order to secure their positions. Their work hours and earnings were tracked and documented during the investigation.
Community Concerns
The recent arrests have sparked scrutiny and concern within the local community regarding immigration enforcement efforts. There have been varied reactions among residents about the implications of such operations and their balance between legal enforcement and community relations.
Implications of the Arrests
As the legal process continues, the five individuals face severe penalties regarding their charges. The case highlights ongoing issues related to immigration, employment, and the authenticity of identity documents in the United States.
Summary of Arrests
In summary, from January to March, five foreign nationals were apprehended in South Carolina for identity fraud tied to their employment at a landscaping company. The investigations by SLED, with local law enforcement support, aimed to address the issue of unlawful employment practices in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the individuals arrested for identity fraud in Bluffton, South Carolina?
The individuals arrested were Francisco Ramirez Santiago (43), Pablo Ramirez Santiago (46), Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon (53), Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez (28), and Jose Moreno Romero (56).
What were the charges against the suspects?
All suspects were charged with identity fraud for using false or fraudulent Social Security numbers.
How many hours did the suspects work, and what did they earn?
The suspects worked approximately 550 hours and earned between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages.
Which company employed the suspects?
The suspects were employed by O’Hara Outdoors, a landscaping company located in Bluffton, South Carolina.
What agencies were involved in the arrests?
The arrests were conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), with support from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Arrests | Five foreign nationals |
| Charges | Identity fraud for using false/fraudulent Social Security numbers |
| Time Frame of Arrests | Between January 1 and March 31 |
| Total Hours Worked | Approximately 550 hours |
| Total Wages Earned | Between $10,000 and $15,000 |
| Employment Location | O’Hara Outdoors, Bluffton, SC |
| Involved Agencies | SLED and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton Operation
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Beaufort County
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
- 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.
