Lexington man convicted in federal identity theft case

Ten-year sentence handed down in deadly 2023 downtown Lexington shooting

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Mexican national living in Lexington was convicted in federal court of using another person's identity to get work in the U.S. and obtain a Kentucky driver's license. Additionally, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a 2023 shooting in downtown Lexington that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Kevin Reel.

Why it matters

These cases highlight ongoing issues of identity theft and violent crime in the Lexington area. The identity theft conviction underscores the need for stronger measures to protect individuals' personal information, while the sentencing in the deadly shooting serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and holding perpetrators accountable.

The details

In the identity theft case, the 39-year-old Mexican national was convicted of using another person's identity to get work in the U.S. and obtain a Kentucky driver's license. He now faces up to four years in prison, with sentencing set for June 25. In the 2023 shooting case, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the incident at North Limestone and West Short in downtown Lexington that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Kevin Reel. Jurors convicted him of manslaughter, and the victim's father delivered an emotional statement urging that the full sentence be served.

  • The identity theft conviction occurred in federal court.
  • The sentencing in the 2023 downtown Lexington shooting took place recently.

The players

39-year-old Mexican national

A man who had been living in Lexington and was convicted in federal court of using another person's identity to get work in the U.S. and obtain a Kentucky driver's license.

Kevin Reel

A 35-year-old man who was killed in the 2023 shooting incident in downtown Lexington.

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The takeaway

These cases underscore the ongoing challenges Lexington faces in addressing identity theft and violent crime, and the need for continued efforts to protect residents' personal information and ensure public safety in the community.