October 8, 2015
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Norma
Olga Benavidez, 60, of Las Vegas, was sentenced for theft, a category “B”
felony. Benavidez orchestrated an immigration scam, stealing tens of thousands
of dollars from multiple victims between March 2012 and March 2014.
As part of the immigration scam, Benavidez victimized those seeking legal
status in the United States by falsely claiming to be a federal government
employee who worked closely with a fictitious person she identified as the
“Chief of Immigration.” She falsely promised victims that she could assist them
with paperwork related to their lawful status in the United States in exchange
for significant fees, totaling more than $50,000. In reality, Benavidez could
not and did not perform the promised services.
“Fraudulent immigration service providers prey on unsuspecting immigrants
trying to navigate the system,” said Laxalt. “This office will continue to
protect the integrity of the legal immigration system, and prosecute those who
commit these pernicious scams.”
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Stefany Miley sentenced Benavidez to
28-72 months in prison. She was also ordered to pay more than $53,000 in
restitution to 11 different victims, and $3,500 in investigative and prosecution
costs.
This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Samuel Kern.
To file a complaint with our office about someone suspected of committing a
theft, click here. To
view the Indictment, click
here.
(Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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