Three South Los Angeles family members, Judith Gil, Oscar Mauricio Gil, and Minerva Gil, have been dealt sentences after defrauding 73 immigrants, swindling them for over $200,000 by offering sham legal immigration services. According to a recent press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the family promised assistance with residency and work permits but instead left many facing deportation. Judge Drew E. Edwards has sentenced the trio to pay restitution and serve 10 years of probation.
In a cruel twist of circumstance, the victims sought the American Dream but found themselves ensnared in the Gil family’s scheme. As per the District Attorney, the family ran their operation between January 1, 2008, and June 2021, having stolen a total of $222,793 from the victims. The business used for the scam was named FJA and Associates, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Judith Gil, the ringleader, pled guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy, grand theft, and extortion, resulting in a sentence of 10 years’ probation with a suspended state prison sentence. Her brother, Oscar Mauricio Gil, and daughter, Minerva Gil, also entered guilty pleas to similar charges. All three defendants are prohibited from contacting the victims or providing any future legal, or professional services unless they are properly licensed and bonded.
For those who may have been a victim of similar scams, or have any other consumer-related complaints, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has encouraged contacting the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs hotline at (213) 974-1452.
