Conmen Guilty of Selling Indian Tribe

[earthw7]

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=2120696e-90e4-4972-b604-f67587e836ff
Conmen Guilty of Selling Indian Tribe Memberships to Illegals

Last Update: 4/22 7:17 pm 

Two North County residents who sold bogus Indian tribe "memberships" to illegal immigrants, supposedly allowing them free access across the U.S.-Mexico border, pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand theft.

Victor Granados of San Marcos and Kim Thomas Johnson of Oceanside won't face additional jail time if $9,000 in restitution is paid by Aug. 11, said prosecuting attorney Gina Darvas.

Granados, 57, and Johnson, 47, entered their guilty pleas before Judge Charles Rogers on the day their preliminary hearing was scheduled to take place.

Deputy District Attorney Tricia Pummill told a judge last year that the defendants lied to illegal immigrants by telling them they could purchase identification for the Pembina Nation Little Shell Band of North America for $1,500 cash, which would allow them to stay in the United States legally.

Each victim received a packet that included identification cards and license plates, authorities said.

One victim lost $4,500 and three others lost $1,500 each, Darvas said.