Crime & Safety
Top ICE Lawyer In Seattle Stole Immigrants' IDs: Charges
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief counsel in Seattle allegedly opened credit card accounts with stolen identities.
SEATTLE, WA - The chief counsel at the Seattle Immigration and Customs Enforcement office has been charged with wire fraud and identity theft, according to court documents. Raphael Sanchez allegedly stole the identities of seven immigrants involved in proceedings with ICE.
The charges, which were first reported by the Associated Press, were filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. According to court documents, Sanchez allegedly used the identities of the immigrants to open credit card accounts with American Express, Bank of America, Chase, and other banks.
Sanchez is due in court Thursday and is being represented by Seattle criminal defense attorney Cassandra L. Stamm. Sanchez has resigned from his job at ICE, the agency has confirmed.
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read the charges filed against Sanchez Tuesday:
Raphael Sanchez Felony Charges by Neal McNamara on Scribd
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Photo by Chris Carlson/Associated Press
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