Bayonne woman accused of posing as federal agents to take $25K for immigration help
Prosecutors say four people paid upfront for immigration paperwork that never came. The DA's office wants to hear from other possible victims.
Manhattan prosecutors say a New Jersey woman collected $25,000 from four people by presenting herself as a federal tax agent, an immigration agent and someone offering immigration services. She has now been indicted.
According to court records, Edith Capellan, 54, of Bayonne, faces counts of grand larceny, immigrant assistance services fraud and scheme to defraud in New York State Supreme Court. Her lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What prosecutors say happened
Xavier Martinez, who leads the DA’s immigrant affairs unit, said Capellan is accused of meeting clients in Uptown Manhattan. Prosecutors say those clients paid thousands of dollars in fees upfront for immigration paperwork that never arrived. They say Capellan misrepresented who she was and falsely promised outcomes such as permanent residency and citizenship.
Prosecutors also say she told clients their applications had been filed. When the clients checked back, according to prosecutors, she would not produce any documents, receipt numbers or other proof.
“As alleged, Edith Capellan donned a cloak of legitimacy by impersonating federal agents,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
How to report immigration fraud in Manhattan
Bragg said the investigation is still open. He asked anyone who may have been a victim to call his office at 212-335-3600, regardless of immigration status.
When someone offering immigration services makes an unusually generous offer, Bragg said, New Yorkers should stop and weigh whether that person or business can be trusted. He urged extra care with companies that have no physical office and only want to deal online. Martinez said the state’s online directory lets residents check whether someone is a registered New York lawyer. Bragg’s advice: if an offer sounds too good to be true, take a beat.
Bragg also said his office’s immigration hotline has been getting fewer calls in recent months. He blamed fear in immigrant communities about dealing with the government.
Quick answers
How can possible victims of this immigration fraud contact the Manhattan DA?
The office asks them to call 212-335-3600, regardless of immigration status.
How can New Yorkers check whether an immigration helper is a real lawyer?
The state has an online directory where residents can check whether someone is a registered New York lawyer.
