from midhudson news:

Woman who posed as an immigration consultant must pay restitution

Albany -- Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has announced that he has secured nearly $150,000 in additional penalties and restitution for two dozen victims of an immigration scam. On March 22, State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dolan issued his second judgment against Christine Owad, a Greene County woman who posed as an immigration consultant and took large payments from dozens of people, mostly of Irish descent, seeking U.S. green cards.

In this supplemental proceeding, Justice Dolan awarded restitution of $89,357 for 24 victims and awarded the state an additional $60,000 in civil penalties. This was the second judgment that the judge has issued against Owad.

In September 2006, he issued a judgment awarding the state $105,000 in civil penalties and $2,000 in costs, and restitution of $197,898 for 55 victims.


“This individual ripped off dozens of people who were looking to build a future in New York,” said Cuomo. “She ruthlessly exploited those who came to this country seeking the American dream. I am glad we were able to bring this individual to justice and repay the victims of her deceit.”