New Jersey immigration attorney charged with VISA fraud and aggravated identity theft
NEWARK — A Denville, New Jersey attorney was charged for visa fraud, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud. The charges resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security and the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.
Charles Jason Lore, 43, is charged by indictment to have submitted fraudulent forms on behalf of more than 150 clients, claiming a rare exception intended for individuals with extraordinary achievements in the entertainment industry. When questioned by law enforcement about the unusually high number of exceptions he sought, Lore allegedly stole the identity of another attorney and filed approximately 200 additional petitions for the same exception under the unsuspecting attorney’s name.
“Attorneys allegedly misrepresenting their role should be put on notice that their actions will be uncovered,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola, HSI Newark. “I commend our special agents on a job well done.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in April 2011 through January 2015, Lore participated in a scheme to submit fraudulent I-129 Forms in connection with applications for temporary nonimmigrant worker visas, known as O-1 visas. Specifically, Lore submitted more than 150 fraudulent “no-objection letters” from trade associations that represent actors, musicians, and artists in support of scores of O-1 visa petitions. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services relies on these letters in determining whether the applicant possesses the extraordinary ability, or has demonstrated the requisite achievement necessary to obtain an O-1 visa. In addition, after he was approached by law enforcement agents concerning an apparently fraudulent letter, Lore stole the identity of an unsuspecting lawyer, and submitted nearly 200 additional visa petitions in this victim’s name.
The Mail fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, visa fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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