Ecuadorian Citizen Sentenced to Six Months for False Citizenship Claim at Buffalo's Peace Bridge

A 57-year-old Ecuadorian citizen has been sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to making a false claim of United States citizenship, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.

Luis Mauafrewiny Aviles Matias, who also used the names Leiver Artur Ponce Leon and Juan Perez Chavez, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. following his guilty plea.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, Matias attempted to enter the United States on November 12, 2024, at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. While traveling as a passenger in a vehicle, he presented a fraudulent Puerto Rican driver’s license as identification. When asked by officials if he was a U.S. citizen, Matias nodded affirmatively. Authorities later determined he is a citizen and national of Ecuador.

The case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, led by Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.