Miami-Dade authorities say a trusted spiritual leader turned predator, teaming up with a man pretending to be an immigration attorney to defraud vulnerable immigrants of thousands of dollars.
Miami-Dade is home to more than 1.7 million immigrants, including a large Caribbean-American population that relies heavily on faith-based and community networks for support.
In what deputies are calling “Operation Stolen Dream,” Miami-Dade officials arrested 46-year-old Pastor Nelson David Ochoa Vasquez and 44-year-old Ismer Gonzalez on Thursday. The two men, both immigrants themselves, are accused of orchestrating a scheme that targeted at least 16 individuals seeking legal immigration help.
“Ultimately, the fraudulent scheme was facilitated by Pastor Ochoa Vasquez’s exploitation of the trust and faith of vulnerable victims,” investigators said in arrest reports. “As a result, the defendants were able to deceive and manipulate victims seeking legitimate aid during a challenging time.”
Ochoa, who leads La Iglesia de Dios Jireh at 4900 SW 118th Ave., allegedly used his church to introduce victims to Gonzalez, a Miramar resident who falsely posed as an immigration lawyer. The victims were reportedly looking for help obtaining driver’s licenses and work permits.
“Right now, we are up to 16 victims and we expect this is going to increase,” prosecutors said Friday.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the victims paid roughly $21,000 through a mix of cash and Zelle transfers to an account under “Brothers Multiservicio LLC.” Authorities discovered the money was spent on luxury items from high-end brands like Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Fendi, as well as international travel to South America and Europe.
Some payments were traced back to a bank account belonging to Gonzalez, while others went to an account controlled by Ochoa. Deputies said the pastor was arrested at his home in the 12000 block of Southwest 40th Street, and Gonzalez was taken into custody after a traffic stop on Florida’s Turnpike near Northwest 23rd Avenue.
Ochoa admitted to working with Gonzalez, saying he was “completing work permit forms for clients and receiving cash payments,” but deputies noted his statements contained “multiple irregularities.” Gonzalez, meanwhile, invoked his right to an attorney.
Jail records show Ochoa is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $15,000 bond. Gonzalez is being held on a $62,500 bond and faces additional charges in North Carolina, where prosecutors say he’s suspected of similar scams. Both men face counts of grand theft and organized fraud, while Gonzalez also faces a charge of practicing law without a license.
If either suspect posts bond, they will have to prove the money came from a legitimate source before being released.
Detectives are urging any additional victims to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office or leave an anonymous tip through Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477.
