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San Jose Business Owner, Employee Accused Of Immigration Services Fraud

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Two people who allegedly provided immigration services without completing state requirements to conduct business in San Jose were arrested Friday, a Santa Clara County sheriff's spokesman said.

Alejandro Sanchez, 56, and Patricia Garcia Abonce, 46, were arrested on suspicion of illegally running Al Sanchez Bookkeeping and Tax, an immigration consultation business at 31 S. Jackson Ave., sheriff's Sgt. James Jensen said.

The investigation into Sanchez, the owner, and Abonce, an employee, began with a tip followed up by the sheriff's Notario Fraud Investigations Unit, Jensen said.

The business allegedly didn't have an immigration consultant clearance from the California secretary of state and a required $100,000 bond, according to Jensen.

"Immigrants can be very vulnerable targets for abuse and fraud," Sheriff Laurie Smith said in a statement.

"Cracking down on unlawful immigration service providers ensures immigrants get the services they are promised and the services they paid for," she said.

The business, which has been running for 27 years, also has offices on McKee Road and in Tracy, according to the company's website.

Despite being in jail Friday, Sanchez's business was open on Friday morning. An employee who spoke with KPIX reporter Maria Medina said she wasn't aware of the arrests.

"Can you tell me anything about Mr. Sanchez?
"No, he's not here now."
"So you haven't seen investigators or investigators haven't asked you any questions?"
"No, I'm surprised."
"Do you know if Mr. Sanchez was running his business illegally?"
"Really? No, I don't know."

Later Friday the business was closed for the day.

Sheriff's officials advise the public to seek immigration services from a business that is competent in their work and meets legal guidelines.

People who receive immigration assistance from an illegal business may lose their money or get deported, according to sheriff's officials.

Immigration services workers aren't required to undergo training or earn a formal certificate, but have to follow the state's business and professions codes, sheriff's officials said.

An immigration consultant has to secure a $100,000 bond, pass a Department of Justice background check and send an application to the secretary of state, according to sheriff's officials.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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