Federal prosecutors in Nevada have charged a naturalized U.S. citizen with naturalization fraud, alleging that he gave false answers during the citizenship process about criminal conduct that occurred before he naturalized.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada announced the case on September 2, 2026. Kevin Jesus King made an initial appearance in federal court after being charged with one count of naturalization fraud.
What prosecutors allege
According to the indictment and statements described by the Justice Department, King submitted his naturalization application in January 2018 and allegedly failed to disclose prior criminal conduct. Prosecutors further allege that he repeated false answers during his June 2018 naturalization interview under oath.
King obtained U.S. citizenship later that month. The Justice Department says he subsequently admitted to the underlying conduct when he pleaded guilty in Nevada state court in 2024.
What the charge means
Naturalization fraud is a federal criminal charge. The Justice Department says the count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. A jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The case also highlights an important distinction: a criminal charge alleging fraud in the naturalization process is not the same thing as an automatic loss of citizenship. Any criminal conviction, denaturalization action or other immigration consequence must follow the applicable legal process.
Why the case matters
USCIS applicants are required to answer naturalization questions truthfully, including questions about conduct for which a person may not have been arrested. False statements can create both criminal and immigration consequences depending on the facts.
An indictment is only an allegation. King is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
