| Topic: |
Politics > Politics-USA |
| User: |
"Harry Hope" |
| Date: |
12 Aug 2007 01:49:29 PM |
| Object: |
Republican State Representative Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud Charges |
Cooper admitted to creating fake companies and using the names to
apply for visas for other companies, to issuing bogus letters intended
to deceive law enforcement as to the immigration status of his
client's workers, and to the outright purchase of visas from other
contacts to be illegally transferred to his client's workers.
One charge against Cooper alleges he made up a name of a trucking
company calling it Retail Trucking LLC and sought a visa for someone
named "Vernon Vercoe", a seasonal driver.
In reality, Retail Trucking is not an active business and the visa was
actually sought for a driver who worked year round at Pullen Brothers,
Inc in Sikeston.
Vernon Vercoe did not exist either.
Cooper also allegedly sought visas for 110 unnamed aliens under the
name Speedy Express LLC which turned out to be a false business as
well.
As part of the plea agreement and under federal criminal forfeiture
law, Cooper must forfeit the $50,000 in legal proceeds he received in
2004 and 2005.
Cooper pleaded guilty to one felony count of visa fraud and one felony
count of making a false statement to the Department of Labor.
He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
He also agreed to voluntarily terminate his participation as an agent
or representative of any employer with respect to any matter
concerning the Department of Labor's Foreign Certification programs.
His sentencing is set for October 19, 2007.
from The Associated Press, 8/12/07:
http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=6909517&nav=menu51_6_2
Cape State Representative Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud Charges
By: Christy Hendricks & Associated Press
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -
Cape Girardeau State Representative Nathan Cooper pleads guilty to
fraud charges involving an illegal scheme to obtain temporary worker
visas for his clients in a trucking business.
Cooper, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, is an attorney specializing
in immigration law.
Cooper says he will step down and must now give up his law license.
Cooper, 33, issued a prepared statement Thursday regarding the
charges.
"The events of earlier today are about my overzealous representation
of legal clients in regards to ensuring they had an adequate
workforce. I deeply regret my actions and apologize to the people of
Cape Girardeau for how my legal practice has impacted my ability to
serve. In no way was this related to my campaign or to my official
office and duties. My resignation from the Missouri House of
Representative will be forthcoming."
Cape Girardeau Republican leaders say the Cooper development has taken
them by surprise.
"The most important thing for the committee right now is to find a
qualified candidate to represent our district in the Special Election
that will be called by the Governor," said Holly Lintner, chairman of
the 158th Legislative Committee.
According to the federal government, Cooper took $50,000 in 2004 and
2005 in legal fees from clients in the trucking industry.
Cooper's practice included specialized work with immigration law.
Federal law permits companies facing a seasonal rush to hire immigrant
drivers temporarily but only if no American workers can be found.
The labor department says Cooper came up with a scheme to skirt the
H2B visa program.
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And on and on and on
Harry
.
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