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Gwinnett police identify fake attorney they say scammed immigration clients
Authorities still seeking suspect, additional victims
Fake attorney
Police say this man posed as an immigration attorney and stole thousands from his victims. - photo by Courtesy of Gwinnett County Police

GWINNETT COUNTY -- Authorities have determined the true identity of a man suspected of pretending to be an immigration attorney and taking thousands of dollars from clients.

Gwinnett Police reported Eddi Bueno-Cabrer, 46, is a convicted felon originally from the Dominican Republic. Police say he had set up as a vendor at the Pendergrass Flea Market on U.S. 129 and used various aliases, including Juan Manuel Pineda Cruz.

“He was offering legal services to the immigrant population,” police said in a news release. “Victims have come forward claiming that they were reluctant to report the crime because of their immigration status.” Authorities believe there are more victims.

Police are still searching for Bueno-Cabrer, who has been deported three times.

Several victims met with Bueno-Cabrer at Mozart Bakery on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, according to the news release.

The first incident was reported in December when a victim told police he gave the man $6,000 to help bring his family members to the U.S. legally. The man never provided that service and stopped communicating with the victim.

On Jan. 30, police say they learned the man told people he could legalize anyone’s immigration status. Two victims paid him more than $20,000 to get legal status for 18 workers from Latin America. That service was never provided.

Another victim paid him $10,000 to “fix his illegal immigration status” and “provide the legal counsel necessary to bring several of his family members to the United States from Mexico,” police reported.

Police are urging victims to come forward regardless of their immigration status.

“Our objective is to stop this suspect from continuing to victimize and exploit individuals seeking legal status in this country,” Gwinnett Police Detective Nermin Cultarevic said.

Anyone with information may call 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS, visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or text "Crimes," 274637.

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