A 52-year-old Gaithersburg woman has been accused of posing as a doctor to snare illegal immigrants in a cash-for-citizenship scheme that police say netted at least five victims who collectively handed over more than $97,0000.
Montgomery County police said they’re concerned more immigrants might have fallen victim to Erlinda Marin’s alleged scam, and they’re particularly worried because it appears she administered medical examinations without a doctor’s license. Marin’s 25-year-old daughter, Sandra Marin Rivera, has also been charged with fraud in the case, as was 28-year-old Robert Fred Meija, who at one point allegedly posed as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
According to police, the scheme started in December 2007 when Marin met with an illegal immigrant under the pretense that she was a doctor who could heal his injured knee. Marin provided physical therapy and gave the man medicine to reduce swelling. Police say Marin also raised the issue of the man’s citizenship, telling him she could get him U.S. citizenship quickly for $9,000.
The man made his first payment of $6,000 in January 2008, authorities said. Several months and $3,000 later, Marin told him she needed another $2,200 to cover the costs of a waiver and a fingerprint card. Police say after he paid the additional costs, the man met with Rivera, who completed the fingerprint cards.
In early 2009, immigrant signed his residency papers at Marin’s house, authorities said. While there he was introduced to “Jim” — later determined to be Meija. “Jim” was wearing military style boots and had a gun in a leg holster. He represented himself as an ICE agent and told the immigrant that if he spoke to anyone about his case, he would be deported.
Police say four other illegal immigrants fell prey to the scam in a similar manner.
Marin, Rivera and Meija have been charged with five counts of felony theft. Marin also was charged with operating a medical practice without a valid license and Meija with impersonating a federal agent. Rivera was released on $50,000 bail. Marin and Meija were held on $200,000 bail.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 240-773-8477.
