Californians are no strangers to news of alleged criminal activities. By definition, some of these activities are known as white collar crimes and can involve the most unlikely of suspects. This may be the case with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who was recently found guilty of a variety of offenses.
Federal prosecutors accused the man of obstructing justice and lying to federal authorities. The case involved a complex scheme that the immigration agent allegedly put into place concerning an informant who was also facing criminal charges. The agent purportedly used his influence to keep the so-called informant out of prison for a conviction in Florida. But the agent also secured a lucrative consulting job for himself in the process. One major problem was that the so-called informant apparently never agreed to be an informant.
The agent retired from ICE back in 2009, and he remains free on bail, pending a second trial on charges of fraud. In that regard, the man is accused of working to keep his wife on the ICE payroll for six years while she was essentially a stay-at-home mom. Prosecutors claim that, in effect, the man committed theft of some $600,000 in taxpayer money. His wife is also a defendant in that trial. According to an Assistant U.S. Attorney, the current conviction could land the ex-agent in prison for up to 15 years.
When California residents are facing charges of white collar crimes, it is always best to work with legal counsel to help ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld under California and federal laws. As with the present case, white collar crimes charges can lead to long prison terms upon conviction. Individuals accused of such crimes would be wise to seek out the assistance of legal professionals who are experienced in such matters. An attorney who is familiar with California and federal laws can help mount a meaningful and strategic defense that is clearly aimed at a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Former ICE agent convicted on federal charges,” Victoria Kim, Dec. 14, 2011