Attorney General Becerra Announces Criminal Charges against Edgardo Guerrero for Defrauding Individuals Seeking Immigration Relief

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest and filing of criminal charges against Edgardo Guerrero of “Oficina Guerrero” in Inglewood. Guerrero, who is not an attorney, defrauded undocumented immigrants and their families seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States. He charged thousands of dollars for legal services that he was not legally qualified to give and failed to maintain a required bond. None of the victims obtained legal status as a result of Guerrero's fraudulent actions.  

“No one, regardless of status, should have to deal with fraudulent behavior while seeking legal advice,” said Attorney General Becerra. “At a time when the Trump Administration stokes fear and desperation in communities across the State, the California Department of Justice is committed to protecting families from unscrupulous practitioners who would exploit them for personal gain."

Guerrero was arrested on March 22, 2018, booked into the Los Angeles County jail and is being held on $80,000 bail. The charges are a result of a joint investigation involving the Attorney General's Consumer Law Section and Division of Law Enforcement, and the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Those who paid Guerrero for immigration assistance and believe he may have defrauded them are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs immediately by calling 213-974-1452.

Complaints, which may be filed anonymously, can also be filed with the Attorney General’s Office through our web page or by calling our office at 1 (800) 952-5225.  

The California Department of Justice has a long history of pursuing scammers who prey on individuals needing legal assistance or advice on their immigration status. Last week, Attorney General Becerra issued a consumer alert warning Californians to be wary of scam artists or untrained immigration consultants who prey on immigrants by falsely holding themselves out as legally qualified to assist with immigration matters. The consumer alert can be found here. It is also available in Spanish.