Immigration Official Arrested for Corruption and Extortion

A U.S. Immigration official is facing corruption charges after extorting money from people applying for citizenship.

Melford Christmas, 41, is accused of extorting money from at least 4 victims who were applying for citizenship.  Christmas was responsible for making sure those applying for citizenship passed the English language and American history tests. It was his job to interview applicants and score their exams.

In one case an applicant had failed both tests.  When he came back for a re-test, Christmas said he would pass him in exchange for $800. In a similar case, Christmas found out an applicant had $3,000 in bank account.  He promised to help the applicant pass the tests if he paid him $2,750.

In all cases, Christmas met the victims near their homes to exchange the money, rather than having them come to the Garden City, New York immigration office where he worked.

Christmas faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of the charges. He was recently released on $10,000 bail.

If you are facing charges for a white collar crime, such as extortion or corruption, click here to find a criminal defense attorney near you!