Blas pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents under 18 U.S.C. ยง 1546, with the offense ending on April 4, 2022. The case involved fraudulent activity that resulted in substantial financial losses to JP Morgan Chase Bank, totaling $808,725.65 in restitution that Blas must now repay.
Judge Mazzant recommended that Blas be housed at FCI Danbury in Connecticut and receive appropriate mental health and drug treatment while imprisoned. The court also ordered her to participate in the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program, requiring her to pay 50% of her earnings per pay period toward her outstanding monetary penalties. Upon release, Blas will serve three years of supervised release with special conditions including substance abuse treatment, mental health programs, and obtaining a high school equivalency certificate.
The sentence will run concurrent with anticipated sentences from local charges in Flower Mound, Texas, and another federal case in the Southern District of Texas, but consecutive to a pending sentence from Sarasota, Florida, for fraudulent impersonation charges. Count 2 of the indictment was dismissed on the government's motion.
The case highlights federal authorities' continued focus on document fraud schemes that target financial institutions. Blas must begin paying restitution immediately, with any future windfalls such as inheritances, settlements, or lottery winnings to be applied entirely toward her financial obligations.