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Prosecutors: Long Island Woman Targeted Immigrants, Bilked Them Out Of Thousands

HAUPPAGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Long Island woman took advantage of immigrants, taking their cash for services she never delivered, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Jexcy Solorzano-Cedeno of East Patchogue faces five hate crime charges including grand larceny and scheme to defraud.

Solorzano-Cedeno, 48, also went by "Lorena Cabrera," prosecutors said.

"The defendant met her victims through word of mouth and she'd lead them to believe that she worked with the police department, or that she was affiliated with attorneys who specialize in immigration cases," Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.   "She lied about having credentials and the expertise to help these people, some of whom were charged $2,500 for her 'immigration services,' and, on one occasion we have evidence of, she charged as much as $5,000.  Our investigation, with Homeland Security, established the defendant did nothing for the money."

Solorzano-Cedeno is being held on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

 

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