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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The federal prosecutor of the District of Columbia, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, warned that anyone who uses their official position, uniform, or badge to violate the law will face rigorous investigations and be prosecuted.
The warning comes amid the federal process against Melitón Cordero, former DEA supervisor assigned to the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, accused of participating in an alleged bribery and visa fraud scheme.You may be interested in: http://Gobierno dominicano condecoró a supervisor de la DEA implicado en caso de presunto fraude de visas
According to the accusation, the agent processed at least 119 visa applications and allegedly received thousands of dollars to facilitate non-immigrant visas. Investigators maintain that he accepted cash to assist foreigners in obtaining travel permits to the United States and guide them for their consular interviews. Court documents also describe a case in which he allegedly provided a passport with a valid visa to a foreign applicant after receiving a payment, which is part of the scheme investigated for immigration fraud. The case is being heard before the federal court in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader investigation into the possible abuse of visa programs. Authorities emphasize that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The arrest of the former official led to the temporary closure of the DEA office in Santo Domingo while internal investigations proceed, while US authorities reiterated that bilateral cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking will continue.
