California

Valid Green Cards, Social Security Cards Seized From Accused Scammer

The State Bar is trying to find the rightful owners of the valid documents.

What to Know

  • State officials alleged Judith Gil deceived dozens of immigrants into believing she could secure legal residency for them.
  • Those who wish to claim work permits, green cards or social security cards should contact the State Bar at (213) 765-1644.

The State Bar of California announced Tuesday it is trying to locate people who have yet to claim dozens of valid work permits, green cards and social security cards seized from an unauthorized Los Angeles-area immigration consultant.

State Bar investigators found work permits, green cards and social security cards among thousands of active client files it seized from the offices of Judith Gil, whose office was shut down last month and who is facing charges filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.

The Los Angeles Superior Court granted a Feb. 11 order assuming jurisdiction over the law practice and delegating the duties of shutting it down to the State Bar.

"We haven't been able to locate the rightful beneficiaries of these valid working permits because Gil put her office address on them," said State Bar Executive Director Leah T. Wilson. "That's why we're putting out this appeal. We are asking these individuals to contact the State Bar and get what's rightfully theirs."

The State Bar moved to have Gil's unauthorized law practice shut down after the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs found that she allegedly deceived dozens of immigrants into believing she could secure legal residency for them by holding herself out as an attorney. Gil also is accused of falsely representing that she had special connections at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

City Attorney Mike Feuer charged Gil with multiple criminal counts, alleging she preyed upon individuals seeking residency, asylum, and other forms of legal status in the United States.

The charges range from grand theft and immigration consultant statute violations to the unauthorized practice of law. Gil, who is alleged to have charged thousands of dollars while posing as an immigration consultant and offered false information and improper legal advice, is scheduled to arraigned April 18 in downtown Los Angeles.

Those who wish to claim valid work permits, green cards and social security cards, which were collected from Gil's office, should contact the State Bar at (213) 765-1644.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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