Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have charged five individuals with crimes including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and impersonation of federal officials. The indictment alleges that the defendants posed as immigration judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers to defraud immigrants seeking legal assistance.
Three of the accused—Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez—were arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport while attempting to leave for Colombia on one-way tickets. Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda was apprehended at a restaurant in New Jersey. A fifth defendant remains outside U.S. custody. Daniela, Jhoan, and Alexandra Ramirez are siblings; three are immigration parolees and one is in the country on a tourist visa. The four arrested will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg in Brooklyn.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., along with officials from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP-OPR), announced the arrests.
“As alleged, the defendants undermined the integrity of our immigration system by impersonating judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers, and targeting vulnerable members of our community who sought to hire attorneys to help them navigate sensitive legal issues,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants brazenly stole their victims’ money and deceived them by sending fictious documents and holding sham court proceedings. I commend our Office’s prosecution team and the law enforcement agents whose hard work has disrupted this elaborate and outrageous scheme.”
Nocella also acknowledged support from several agencies involved in investigating the case.
“We denounce those who would prey upon people trying to work through the immigration system,” stated DHS Inspector General Cuffari. “We will hold accountable anyone who commits fraud or impersonates government officials. We appreciate all our law enforcements partners that worked to expose this scheme and bring these individuals to justice.”
“The Office of Professional Responsibility in coordination with our other federal partners at DHS OIG, CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO), HSI, and DSS were able to stop an illegal scheme impacting hundreds of potential victims and generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit proceeds, which were being remitted to Colombia, the Foreign Terrorist Organization’s base of operations,” stated CPB-OPR Acting Special Agent in Charge Hill. “Impersonating immigration attorneys and U.S. government officials, including CBP and USCIS officers, and U.S. Embassy personnel, to profit on the fear of others is repulsive. These criminals will now face severe consequences for their horrific actions.”
According to court filings, the defendants operated under a fictitious firm called “CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria.” They allegedly solicited clients primarily via Facebook offering legal services for fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars despite not being licensed attorneys anywhere in the United States.
After receiving payments from victims, they sent documents appearing official due to use of U.S. government symbols but which were not legitimate records issued by any agency. Some referenced real cases pending before immigration courts or falsely claimed resolution had been achieved.
The group also staged fake asylum interviews or court hearings via videoconference where they dressed as judges or federal agents against backgrounds resembling official settings with agency seals visible. During these calls they collected personal information from victims under false pretenses.
In some instances victims believed their cases had been resolved after these fake proceedings; at least one missed her actual court date as a result—which led initially to a deportation order later reversed.
Investigators identified over $100,000 transmitted by victims linked to this fraudulent operation.
All charges remain allegations until proven otherwise; each defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.
The Long Island Criminal Section is prosecuting this case with Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons leading efforts alongside Special Agent Egbert Simon from EDNY’s Criminal Investigations Unit.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York oversees prosecutions for federal crimes within Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County through offices located in Brooklyn and Central Islip. The office supports community outreach initiatives as well as victim assistance programs. It serves as both prosecutor’s office for criminal mattersand represents civil interests within its jurisdiction. Breon Peace currently leads this office.
The following individuals have been named among those arrested:
– Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez (25), Ibagué Colombia/Green Brook NJ
– Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda (24), Ibagué Colombia/North Plainfield NJ
– Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez (29), Ibagué Colombia/Green Brook NJ
– Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez (38), Ibagué Colombia
E.D.N.Y Docket No.: 26-CR-37 (SJB)
The indictment details can be found at: us_v._sanchez_ramirez_26-cr-37_redacted_indictment_ecf_no._9.pdf
