From Breitbart: Miami authorities charged a pastor of a Spanish-speaking church and an accomplice in what appears to be a fraudulent immigration service scheme after they allegedly defrauded over a dozen victims.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) announced the Thursday arrests of Nelson David Ochoa-Vasquez, 46, and Ismer Gonzalez, 44, on charges of organized fraud and grand theft, and an additional charge of practicing law without a license for Gonzalez.
Officials said a preliminary investigation revealed that Ochoa-Vasquez, pastor of La Iglesia de Dios Jireh, allegedly “used his position to introduce unsuspecting victims” seeking legal advice to set them up with Gonzalez, who allegedly “claimed to be an immigration attorney” without actually being one.
Those who fell victim to the scheme paid approximately $21,000 for the bogus services, including help obtaining work permits and driver’s licenses, MDSO stated.
Authorities say no actual services were ever provided.
At least 16 victims have been identified, but investigators believe additional victims will come forward, WSVN reported.
A Miami pastor and an associate are behind bars after authorities said they orchestrated a months-long fraud scheme that targeted immigrants seeking legal assistance, using a church as the front. https://t.co/EintfsL8tU
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) August 1, 2025
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