Newark man admits to scheme to defraud immigrants
October 7, 2009

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man has admitted defrauding immigrants of more than $150,000 by posing as a federal immigration agent.


Forty-five-year-old Michael Ruiz of Newark pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to one count of mail fraud.

Ruiz admitted identifying himself to immigrants as an "INS" agent and offering to obtain documents such as green cards, work permits and Social Security cards for a fee, payable to him by money order. He also offered to arrange for immigrants' family members to enter the United States. He took the money but rendered no services.

Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although the actual sentence is likely to be less under federal sentencing guidelines.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15.


http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/2009 ... mmigrants+