Thread: Doctor jailed for altering fingerprints

Doctor jailed for plotting to surgically alter fingerprints of illegal immigrants

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:24 PM on 11th February 2011
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A Dominican doctor has been jailed for a year and a day for plotting to surgically alter fingerprints of illegal immigrants.
Jose Elias Zaiter-Pou was caught in a sting operation agreeing to change the prints of a government informant for $4,500.
The 62-year-old was secretly recorded at a hotel in Woburn, Massachusetts, where he brought along surgical equipment, antibiotics and pain medication.
Fingerprint scanner: Dr Zaiter-Pou admitted plotting to alter prints with surgical operations
Zaiter-Pou was filmed explaining how he would removed a portion of the fingertip and then stitch back the tip to create a different print.
He admitted a charge of conspiring to conceal illegal aliens from detection at Boston's federal court.
One of his associates, Luz Martinez-LeBron, 42, who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy, was jailed for six months.
The court heard how secret audio and video was set up at the Red Roof Inn where the government informer posing as an illegal alien told Zaiter-Pou he needed the surgery to avoid jail and deportation.

According to court documents, Martinez-LeBron contacted potential customers and worked with Zaiter-Pou to set up meetings where the doctor would perform the operations.

Ricky Baez-Cruz, 29, who underwent the fingerprint surgery, allegedly went along to tell clients about the success of the scam.
Has been charged with one count of conspiracy and illegal re-entry after deportation. His case is still pending.

US District Judge Douglas P. Woodlock ordered Zaiter-Pou to be deported to the Dominican Republic after he serves his time.

Every person entering the United States, whether through ports of entry or caught sneaking over the border, have their digits run through the fingerprinting system.

In seconds, the prints are checked against law enforcement databases for previous immigration violations or outstanding warrants for the person's arrest.

Some illegal immigrants have been known to burn their fingertips, file them down with an emery board, dip them in acid or even resort to surgery to avoid a match.

In 2007 a Mexican doctor was charged in Pennsylvania with surgically removing drug traffickers' fingerprints, substituting skin from the soles of their feet.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... rants.html

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Def

Lots of luck... When I at a church years ago and wanted to volunteer in the nursery they tried to get my fingerprints (was required by law) 3 times and failed. My prints just would not take well enough - thought that my fingers were too dry and the police department suggested I use Corn Huskers lotion.

I don't know though, maybe it's because I did all those jobs Americans are supposed to be too lazy to do (cleaned commercially and residentially for years) and wore the ridges down... ?

Never did get my fingerprints

Biometric eye scans and other such newer technology might help.