Houston immigration attorney arrested, accused of mail fraud, false statements
HOUSTON - A Houston immigration attorney has been charged with mail fraud and false statements in connection with allegations that she misled clients about immigration applications and work visas.
What we know:
Alla Nowowiejski, 44, was taken into custody and made her initial appearance on Wednesday.
According to the indictment, Nowowiejski accepted payments from clients who hired her to help establish or adjust their work status and apply for work visas. However, prosecutors say she never submitted some applications or only submitted them in part.
The indictment also alleges Nowowiejski provided clients with false documents and reference numbers connected to active immigration cases involving other people.
Prosecutors said she used those documents and reference numbers to make clients believe immigration authorities were processing their applications.
What's next:
If convicted, Nowowiejski faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
What they're saying:
"Immigrants are already facing so many challenges, and the last thing people need is to be manipulated by a lawyer deceiving them," Harris County Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen said. "We could not allow that to happen, so we stepped in, investigated, and prevented the defendant from preying on this community any further."
Authorities search for potential victims
Authorities say anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect can contact the constable's office at (713)755-5200.
"We serve everyone regardless of their immigration status," Constable Rosen said. "If you are a victim of this lawyer, please let us know."
The Source: The information in this article comes from the Harris County Pct. 1 Constable's Office.