See original press release here
**PRESS RELEASE**
Feb. 5, 2015
CITY ATTORNEY FEUER FILES MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CHARGES FOLLOWING UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT
LOS ANGELES – As part of a continued multi-faceted action plan to address immigration fraud, City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced that his office has filed multiple criminal charges against a San Fernando Valley man allegedly involved in an undercover investigation into the unlicensed practice of immigration law.
"My office is fighting to prevent immigration fraud schemes from ripping off families and destroying their dreams," said City Attorney Feuer. "We will prosecute scam artists who try to victimize immigrants to the fullest extent of the law."
Jesus Luna Lozano, 52, is charged with six criminal counts including; the unauthorized practice of law, three counts of violating the Immigration Consultant Act for failing to post proper bonds and notice; failure to provide a written contract; and violation of a permanent injunction. If convicted, Lozano could face up to five years and six months in jail.
In 2003, Lozano was subject to a permanent injunction following a civil lawsuit by Neighborhood Legal Services for the unlicensed practice of immigration law. Since then, Lozano has been found in contempt of court on two separate occasions for violating the permanent injunction.
Following a recent complaint that Lozano continues to illegally give legal advice, undercover investigators with the Department of Consumer Affairs visited Lozano’s office at 6320 Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys. On two occasions in Dec. 2014, the undercover investigators solicited legal advice from Lozano on immigration issues. Lozano allegedly provided legal advice to the undercover investigators in violation of California Law and in violation of the 2003 permanent injunction.
Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2015 in Department 40 of the Criminal Courts Building. Deputy City Attorney Onica Cole is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution of Lozano is part of a comprehensive enforcement and education campaign spearheaded by City Attorney Feuer, the Department of Consumer Affairs and legal aid organizations to address immigration scams in advance of the upcoming enactment of the President’s executive orders on immigration. Feuer’s comprehensive efforts include educating immigrants to navigate the new laws and avoid being ripped-off. This includes hosting a recent town hall meeting at Mt. St Mary’s College in south Los Angeles as well as an upcoming forum on February 28, 2015, in the San Fernando Valley. The town hall forums will serve as an opportunity to offer services to help immigrants navigate the application system, educate consumers on how to avoid being scammed, and intake actual complaints if someone has been a victim of a scam.
Individuals who believe they have been a victim of an immigration consultant fraud should contact the Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 593-8222
Additional tips and information for residents can be found on the City Attorney’s website at: www.atty.lacity.org/community
No comments:
Post a Comment