Juan Cedillo, a 70-year-old man, scammed many immigrant families in Yonkers, New York. He promised them help with getting green cards or U.S. citizenship. These families trusted him, thinking he had legal connections or special access. But instead, Cedillo took their money and gave them nothing in return. Some families paid thousands of dollars, hoping for a better future.

How the Scam Worked

Cedillo operated this fake immigration service from around 2013 to 2019. He told people he could speed up their immigration paperwork or guarantee results. Many of the families were new to the country and didn’t fully understand the system. He used their lack of knowledge against them. He would sometimes show them fake documents to make everything seem real.

He Disappeared When Caught

In 2019, Cedillo was arrested and charged. He was let out while waiting for trial, and he joined his court hearings online during the pandemic. But in 2022, when he was told to appear in person, he ran away. Authorities searched for him for over a year until they found and re-arrested him in 2024.

His Punishment and What the Judge Said

In June 2025, Cedillo finally admitted guilt in court. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge for running a large-scale fraud. In July, the judge sentenced him to 1 to 3 years in prison. He also has to pay back more than $50,000 to his victims. The judge said Cedillo took advantage of people who were just trying to live a better life. Many of the victims were left hurt, confused, and with no legal help after being tricked.

What’s Next for Cedillo and His Victims

Cedillo’s lawyer said that because he had already spent time in custody before sentencing, he may be released from prison soon. But for the families he scammed, the damage is long-lasting. Some may never recover the money they lost or fix the problems caused by the fake immigration services. Officials are warning people to always check the background of anyone offering legal help, especially with immigration matters.