Wauconda man charged with using another's Social Security number

A Wauconda man was behind bars at the McHenry County jail Friday, accused of stealing another man's Social Security number then using it to obtain more than $116,000 in job earnings.

Rogelio M. Mota, 40, who gave an address in the 500 block of East Liberty Street, faces charges of financial identity theft, forgery and obstructing a peace officer.

Mota appeared Friday morning in court, where a judge set his bond at $6,000 and appointed the McHenry County Public Defender to represent him.

The charges allege Mota had been using a DeKalb man's name and Social Security number since January 2004 to maintain employment at Chroma Corp., a McHenry business that makes coloring for plastics. In that time, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday, Mota earned $116,335 in the victim's name.

Police began investigating late last month when the victim reported that the IRS had contacted him stating he had not reported income earned at Chroma in 2004 and 2005, McHenry Deputy Police Chief John Jones said.

"(Mota) created a situation where the IRS thought the victim was not claiming income," Jones said.

Mota was arrested Thursday at his workplace. Even if he posts bond, Mota likely will remain in custody because the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a hold on him.

If convicted on all three charges, Mota could face up to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to return to court Thursday.