Florida, United States
Elvis Harold Reis, 1 p.m. fake immigration lawyer who deceived the Hispanic community in Florida (USA) by filing more than 225 fraudulent asylum applications at a cost to his victims of more than $ 400,000, was sentenced to 20 years and 9 months in prison , the Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on Monday.
Reis, 56, and residing in Brandon, Hillsborough County, introduced fraudulent immigration applications on behalf of the victims seeking asylum and protection from deportation provided for in the United Nations Convention against Torture, a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office said.
In doing so, expand the document, falsify answers to questions in asylum applications, fabricating stories about threats, persecution and fear of applicants returning to their countries of origin.
According to court documents, Reyes, who owned and operated the company EHR Ministries Inc., falsely described himself as an immigration lawyer.
“He is not and has never been a licensed attorney. Reis focused on undocumented immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries seeking Florida driver’s licenses and work permits,” the prosecution notes.
He also provided legal advice and migratory false, inaccurate and incomplete to the victims, in order to induce them to hire their services and those of EHR Ministries, a religious entity that, according to its website, offers “a variety of wedding ceremony services” and serves those who are far from a local church.
The false lawyer filed more than 225 fraudulent applications with the intent to cause losses to victims of more than $ 1 million, although, according to the prosecution, the actual losses were around $ 411,000.
In addition to the deception, he threatened the offended victims who confronted him with deporting them.
“It’s appalling that Elvis Kings is taking advantage of vulnerable people living in fear within our county,” Hillsborough bailiff Chad Chronister said.
Victims of fraud
“I am proud of our detectives, those who thoroughly investigated the claims made by each victim, and of our diligent efforts to reach members. undocumented of our community through public service announcements in English and Spanish, ”the bailiff added.
For his part, Michael Cochran, special assistant in charge of investigations by the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in the Tampa area, pointed out that “identity fraud and profiteering are crimes that threaten national security and U.S. public safety. “
“This criminal defrauded hundreds of victims who thought they were embarking on a path to legal citizenship,” he apostilized.
According to the statement, Reyes, who had pleaded guilty on December 15, 2020, spent the proceeds of his crime, among other things, on travel, luxury shopping, spas, jewelry, embellishment / anti-aging procedures and a assignment for his girlfriend.
District Chief Justice Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Reis to serve his prison sentence in a federal prison. EFE