Fake Immigration Attorney Case: Duluth Man Faces Charges

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A Duluth man has joined a mother and daughter in charges relating to a case of threatening witnesses and immigration scam, according to police.

Gregorio Perez Gonzalez, 53, of Duluth, solicited victims to hire an immigration service business that he co-owned with Melva Washington named “Gonzalez-Washington Immigration Services.” According to police, he also had a “church” that he “pastored” in the same location as Washington.

Warrants for Gregorio’s arrest have been obtained. He is charged with forgery in the first degree, two counts, false statements, two counts, and unauthorized practice of law, two counts. His exact whereabouts are unknown at this time.

If anyone has any information on the location of Gregorio Perez Gonzalez they are asked to call Gwinnett Police Detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

An investigation into Melva's "law practice" began in February. A local attorney learned about Melva through two clients. According to the attorney, the two victims were promised that their immigration status would be fixed after providing a large sum of money to Melva. She was known throughout the Hispanic community as an immigration attorney and a preacher and who helped illegal immigrants get their DACA. When Melva would meet with clients, she told them that she could get their citizenship through DACA even if they didn't meet the minimum requirements.

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A mother, who was already under arrest, is facing additional charges and her daughter is now facing initial charges after the police say the two were involved in threatening a witness during the mother's trial. The daughter turned herself in Thursday, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.

After being arrested and charged on March 28, Melva Washington is now facing new charges of influencing witness and terroristic threats and her daughter, Elizabeth Cannon-Washington, is facing the same charges.

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Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department