A Houston man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jesus Carlos Silva, 58, falsely claimed to be an immigration attorney from a Houston law firm between March 2022 and December 2024. He promised individuals assistance in obtaining U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status, charging them thousands of dollars for his services.
Silva collected payments through checks and money orders but failed to provide legitimate help. Instead, he offered excuses for delays before ceasing communication entirely. He instructed several people to travel to Houston for fake appointments with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which did not exist.
Silva admitted to defrauding over 100 individuals, stealing more than $1,450,555 from victims primarily located in Houston and Chicago, as well as other parts of Texas, Illinois, Louisiana, and Florida.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will sentence Silva on September 22. Silva could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine that may reach $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Currently out on bond pending sentencing, Silva's case was investigated by the FBI with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Rodolfo Ramirez are handling the prosecution.
