Legal News

ICE attorney arrested for taking bribes

By Jason Siegel

A senior attorney with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and his wife were arrested on Thursday for allegedly taking thousands of dollars in bribes from documented and undocumented immigrants.

Constantine Kallas, ICE Assistant Chief Counsel, and Maria Kallas were arrested by agents at the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility and the FBI, after allegedly taking a $20,000 bribe from an undercover agent seeking documentation to remain in the United States, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney spokesperson Thom Mrozek. The press release alleges that they used two companies, that they'd set up, to file false employment petitions.

In addition to the Kallas' salary, nearly $1 million was deposited into couples' bank accounts since 2000, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Prosecutors told KNBC that 26 files and $184,000 were found in a floor safe at the Kallas' home, where he allegedly brought immigrants with a promise to push immigration papers through for $10,000 to $20,000.

Maria Kallas provided the English/Spanish translation during these meetings, KNBC reported.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on June 30, 2008 (boomark / email).