Woman Sentenced for Immigration Fraud

A local judged sentenced a South Pasadena woman three years in prison today for committing immigration fraud, according to court officials.

In a bench trial ruling, Pasadena Superior Court Judge Janice Croft announced the sentencing this morning for Aileen Sevajian, 49, also ordering her to pay restitution to her victims.  On June 26, Sevajian was found guilty on all seven counts she faced, including six felony counts and one misdemeanor count.

Sevajian, who advertised herself as an immigration consultant, was on trial for apparently defrauding give Glendale residents. According to facts revealed during the trial, the five individuals approached Sevajian in 2005 to help them obtain residency status. Sevajian promised to help them, charging them collectively more than $60,000,  the facts of the case indicated.

However, Sevajian was not a licensed immigration consultant or attorney, according to the trial.

Authorities reportedly said they were made aware of Sevajian’s actions when one of her five victims informed law enforcement personnel that she was paid to deliver immigration services, but ultimately received nothing in return. Accordingly, officials reportedly launched an investigation against Sevajian.

After an investigation, Sevajian was ultimately arrested and tried. She faced a bench trial instead of a jury trial.

The six felony counts were for grand theft, while the one misdemeanor was for posing as an immigration consultant.