WHITE PLAINS, NY – Juan Anthony Nieves, 49, of Manhattan, will spend the next six years behind bars after being sentenced in federal court for a brazen scheme to defraud immigrants by posing as a federal immigration official. U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel delivered the sentence yesterday, along with three years of supervised release and a hefty financial penalty.
Nieves preyed on the hopes of those seeking U.S. citizenship, falsely claiming to be a high-ranking official with United States Immigration. Between March 2015 and December 2015, operating in Orange County, New York, and Hartford County, Connecticut, Nieves convinced victims he possessed the power to expedite immigration processes. He even falsely claimed to work at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, boasting about his supposed staff and authority over approvals and deportations.
“Juan Nieves exploited vulnerable immigrants working toward U.S. citizenship by posing as a federal immigration officer, charging his victims fraudulent fees while providing no assistance,” stated Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim. “Nieves not only defrauded his victims of money but also undermined their trust in the immigration system.” The scheme involved collecting legitimate immigration paperwork and copies of identification documents from victims, all while feigning communication with USCIS colleagues.
The investigation, a joint effort by ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Homeland Security Investigations, revealed the depth of Nieves’ deception. Keith Barwick, Special Agent-in-Charge of ICE OPR Northeast, emphasized the damage caused by such impersonations, stating, “Impersonating a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official undermines the confidence people have in their government and in law enforcement.” Angel M. Melendez, HSI Special Agent-in-Charge, added, “This law enforcement impersonator demanded thousands of dollars in fees by preying on members of his own community.”
Judge Seibel didn’t just hand down a prison sentence; she ordered Nieves to forfeit $15,080 in ill-gotten gains and pay $15,080 in restitution to his victims. The prosecution highlighted that Nieves never held any legitimate position within the Department of Homeland Security, making his actions particularly egregious. The case serves as a stark warning: exploiting the dreams of immigrants for personal gain will not go unpunished.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the Village of Monroe, New York, Police Department provided assistance in the investigation, which was handled by the White Plains Division. Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information about similar schemes to come forward, ensuring that those who prey on vulnerable communities are brought to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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