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Defendant’s Guilty Plea Sparks Investigation into Immigration Services
Mario Henry Garcia, 65, of Miami, has pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents, as well as one count of aggravated identity theft, in a shocking case that exposes the darker side of immigration services in Florida.
Garcia operated a business, Mar Financial, through which he provided a variety of tax preparation, divorce, and immigration services. However, his services came at a steep price. He would often steal the personal identifying information and supporting documents of a financial sponsor for a prior legitimate application without their knowledge or consent, in exchange for a fee.
The scheme was uncovered when Garcia failed to appear at his arraignment in February 2023. He was subsequently detained in Panama after arriving on a flight from Costa Rica and returned to the United States, where he is currently being held. U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga has set the sentencing hearings for Garcia for June 14.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, along with acting Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Buckley of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, announced the guilty plea. HSI Miami investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne prosecuting the case.
The case highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the immigration services industry, where vulnerable individuals are often preyed upon by unscrupulous operators. Garcia’s guilty plea serves as a warning to others who would seek to exploit the system for personal gain.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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