California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has announced the arrest and filing of criminal charges against Edgardo Guerrero of “Oficina Guerrero” in Inglewood. Guerrero, who is not an attorney, defrauded undocumented immigrants and their families seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States. He charged thousands of dollars for legal services that he was not legally qualified to give and failed to maintain a required bond. None of the victims obtained legal status as a result of Guerrero’s fraudulent actions.
“No one, regardless of status, should have to deal with fraudulent behavior while seeking legal advice,” Becerra said. “At a time when the Trump Administration stokes fear and desperation in communities across the State, the California Department of Justice is committed to protecting families from unscrupulous practitioners who would exploit them for personal gain.”
Guerrero was arrested on March 22, booked into the Los Angeles County jail and is being held on $80,000 bail. The charges are a result of a joint investigation involving the Attorney General’s Consumer Law Section and Division of Law Enforcement, and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Those who paid Guerrero for immigration assistance and believe he may have defrauded them are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs by calling (800) 593-8222.
Complaints, which may be filed anonymously, can also be filed with the Attorney General’s Office through its website or by calling (800) 952-5225.
Two weeks ago, Becerra issued a consumer alert warning Californians to be wary of scam artists or untrained immigration consultants who prey on immigrants by falsely holding themselves out as legally qualified to assist with immigration matters.
