Immigration Consultant Is Sentenced for Cheating Clients

A former Glendale immigration consultant who authorities say preyed on mostly Asian and ethnic Armenian immigrants in the San Gabriel Valley was sentenced to three years in state prison on Thursday for defrauding clients.

Varoogan Ghahremanian, 43, had earlier pleaded no contest to five counts of theft and one count of money laundering. Superior Court Judge Craig Veals imposed the three-year prison term.

Prosecutors say such con men often go unpunished, since many defrauded clients--often illegal immigrants--are hesitant to notify authorities or testify.

Evidence seized at Ghahremanian’s business indicated he may have victimized as many as 60 clients, who typically paid at least $10,000 in exchange for anticipated help on their immigration cases, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Jeffrey McGrath.