A Houston man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jesus Carlos Silva, 58, admitted to posing as an immigration attorney affiliated with a Houston-based law firm from March 2022 through December 2024.
Silva falsely promised individuals assistance in obtaining U.S. citizenship or other legal immigration status, charging thousands of dollars per person for his services. He collected payments via checks and money orders but failed to provide legitimate help, eventually ceasing communication after offering excuses for delays.
He also instructed several individuals to travel to Houston for fake appointments with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which did not exist upon their arrival. Silva confessed to defrauding more than $1,450,555 from over 100 people residing mainly in Houston and Chicago, as well as others from Texas, Illinois, Louisiana, and Florida.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing on September 22. Silva faces up to five years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense.
Silva remains on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI led the investigation with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
