LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (Our Los Angeles) — Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged Darwin Jonathan Rivera Flores, a 30-year-old Honduran national and lawful permanent resident, with allegedly registering to vote while falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said Rivera was arrested the morning of Aug. 28, 2026, and was expected to appear that afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. The office did not provide the result of that hearing in its announcement.
The case offers a narrow look at how federal investigators can pursue alleged violations involving voter registration, even when there is no allegation that the person actually cast a ballot.
What prosecutors allege
An affidavit filed with the federal criminal complaint says Rivera was born in Honduras and entered the United States in 2002. The affidavit identifies him as a lawful permanent resident, a status that allows a person to live and work in the United States but does not make that person a U.S. citizen.
According to the affidavit and prosecutors’ account, an online voter-registration record under the name “Darwin Rivera” was connected to Rivera’s Winnetka address. The application allegedly included a mark stating that the applicant was a U.S. citizen.
The Justice Department said Department of Homeland Security records showed no indication that Rivera had applied for or obtained U.S. citizenship. Prosecutors also said Rivera had not voted in an election.
Those are allegations contained in a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit. They have not been proven in court. Rivera’s response, including whether he has a lawyer, was not included in the information released by prosecutors.
What charges does he face?
Rivera faces two federal felony allegations: fraudulent voter registration and making a false claim of U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said each offense carries a statutory maximum of five years in federal prison if he is convicted.
A statutory maximum is the highest penalty allowed by law. It is not a prediction of the sentence Rivera would receive, and no sentence has been imposed.
A federal criminal complaint is a charging document used to begin a criminal case. It is not a finding of guilt. Prosecutors would have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt if the case proceeds to trial.
Who is investigating the case?
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Wheat, of the Orange County Office, is prosecuting the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said, “Today’s arrest is the first of many to come.” That statement describes the office’s expectation of additional cases; the information released publicly does not establish how many other arrests will occur or whether similar investigations are pending in Los Angeles County.
The available announcement also does not establish that Rivera’s arrest was the first nationwide arrest tied to a broader federal election-fraud initiative. It identifies Rivera’s case and the agencies involved, but does not describe a wider effect on Los Angeles County election administration.
What happens next?
The immediate next steps would normally include court proceedings on the complaint, decisions about release or detention, and a possible plea or further litigation. The available information does not confirm Rivera’s plea, detention status, appointed or retained counsel, assigned judge or case number.
For now, the central distinction in the case is between registering and voting. Prosecutors allege that Rivera submitted a registration application containing a false citizenship claim. They also say he did not vote. The arrest therefore concerns the alleged registration and citizenship statement, not an allegation that he cast a ballot.
