South Elgin man accused of identity theft

A South Elgin man in the United States illegally faces prison time after working 31/2 years with a Social Security number that belonged to a Chicago woman, authorities said.

Vincente Zaragoza, 43, was arrested Monday after police went to his residence in the 700 block of Michigan Avenue.

He faces a felony charge of financial identity theft that carries a sentence ranging from four years probation to a maximum of 15 years in prison.

South Elgin Sgt. Mike Doty said Zaragoza in October 2003 bought a Social Security number so he could work at Custom Aluminum Inc., 414 Division St., South Elgin.

Doty said Zaragoza was in the country illegally and earned $119,000 there before being laid off in February 2007.

Authorities were sent to Zaragoza's home after a Chicago woman's public aid application was denied in August and she learned some one else was using her Social Security number, Doty said.

"(Zaragoza) had bought the Social Security number from someone and used it to obtain employment," Doty said. "This was a decent gentleman trying to make a living for his family."

Zaragoza's bond was set at $5,000 Tuesday morning. He is due in court on Oct. 10.

A phone message left at Custom Aluminum was not immediately returned.