Nonlawyer accused of practicing since 2003 faces federal charges
After more than a decade of alleged fraudulent law practice as a claimed Pennsylvania lawyer, authorities say, a nonlawyer is facing federal charges.
Leaford George Cameron, 62, who primarily handled immigration matters, was indicted Thursday on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud and making false statements, the Philadelphia Daily News’ Daily Delco blog reports.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said Cameron has defrauded 74 clients in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, India and Jamaica since 2003 while purportedly practicing law in matters before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review . An investigation is ongoing to determine whether there are other alleged victims.
“The longevity of Cameron’s alleged fraud, the amount of victims already identified, and far-reaching impact in this case is staggering,” said John Kelleghan. He serves as Philadelphia’s special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Philadelphia.
Authorities say Cameron appeared in person on behalf of at least some of his victims and utilized the attorney identification numbers of four actual Pennsylvania lawyers, Philly Voice reports.
If convicted, he could face as much as 75 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines.
The articles don’t include any comment from Cameron or his legal counsel.
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “Civil RICO suit says lawyers took fees from immigration clients who couldn’t legally stay in US”
