MACON, Ga. — After police arrested Jose Ibarra and accused him of killing Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus last month, Ibarra's brother, Diego, appeared in court himself on Monday.
He's accused of having a fake green card. Diego Ibarra allegedly presented it when authorities in Athens stopped him during their investigation since he matched the description of his brother, Jose.
However, Diego is not charged in connection with Riley's death.
His Monday afternoon court appearance and documents filed in federal court provide a clearer picture of his time in the United States.
Timeline:
April 30, 2023 - Diego Ibarra crosses the southern border into the United States
- According to an affidavit from Bennie Bryant, Jr. with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Ibarra crossed the border near El Paso. Border patrol processed him for immediate removal, but Ibarra said he was afraid to return to Venezuela. He was sent to New York City to wait for an asylum hearing.
September 25, 2023 - Diego Ibarra's first arrest
- Athens Clarke County Police arrested Ibarra for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a license.
October 27, 2023 - Both Ibarra brothers arrested
- Athens Clarke County Police arrested Diego Ibarra along with Jose Ibarra for shoplifting at a Walmart store.
December 8, 2024 - Diego Ibarra arrested again
- Athens Clarke County Police arrested Ibarra for failing to appear for "a fingerprintable offense."
February 23, 2024 - Authorities mistake Diego for Jose
- An officer noticed Diego walking down the street and stopped him because he matched the description of Jose Ibarra. Diego presented a green card to officers as identification. They found it was "fraudulent." This landed Diego Ibarra in court Monday in Macon.
First court appearance
Diego Ibarra shuffled into the blue-carpeted courtroom Monday around 2:25 p.m. as prosecutor Mike Morrison pored over a copy of the alleged fake green card. At 2:30 p.m. Judge Charles Weigle called court to order.
He read Ibarra his rights and went over the charge. Weigle said having a fake federal document is a felony with a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Peter Leary was in the room and told 13WMAZ his office "has no comment at this time." Morrison also declined comment as he walked out of the courthouse.
The U.S. Marshals Service is holding Ibarra. Normally, they don't disclose where they're holding anyone, but Ibarra was wearing a Butts County Jail jumpsuit.
Ibarra's next hearing is Thursday at 10 a.m. in Macon. The government will present probable cause and determine whether to release Ibarra until a potential trial.