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Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of $100K

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Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of 0K

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Four Colombian nationals were arrested, including three at an airport with one-way tickets out of the country, after prosecutors say they posed as immigration judges and federal agents to target migrants.

Three of the Colombian nationals arrested were identified as siblings Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, 25, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, 29, and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez, 38. Federal prosecutors said all three were arrested at Newark Airport in New Jersey with one-way tickets to Colombia.

The fourth individual was identified as Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda, 24. She was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey.

A fifth defendant in the partially unsealed indictment is still not in U.S. custody.

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The group allegedly impersonated judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers to orchestrate fake immigration proceedings held over videoconference.  (United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York)

“The defendants brazenly stole their victims’ money and deceived them by sending fictitious documents and holding sham court proceedings,” Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. 

The group allegedly impersonated judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers to orchestrate sham immigration proceedings held over videoconference.

Court documents contain two representative photos of two of the virtual “proceedings” with faces blacked out. 

In court documents, prosecutors cited two photos of the virtual “proceedings” with faces blacked out. (United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York)

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Victims were led to believe that their immigration cases had been resolved, resulting in victims missing their actual appearances in immigration court, according to prosecutors.

At least one victim who mistakenly believed her immigration issues were resolved was ordered to be deported due to the scheme, prosecutors said, noting that the order was later reversed.

The group is also accused of lining their pockets and the pockets of their coconspirators in Colombia by laundering tens of thousands of dollars of victims’ funds.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ALLEGEDLY RAN MULTI-MILLION GIFT CARD FRAUD SCHEME HITTING STORES DAILY ACROSS TEXAS

The group operated a fictitious law firm and solicited prospective “clients” primarily through Facebook, prosecutors alleged, adding that they charged fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars “for nonexistent legal advice and services.”

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A view of Newark Airport in New Jersey, on May 6, 2025. Prosecutors said three of the Colombian nationals were arrested at the airport with one-way tickets to Colombia. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Investigators have identified over $100,000 in fraudulent transactions allegedly transmitted by victims to the defendants and other individuals associated with the fake law firm.

All five individuals have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and two counts of false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States.

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Daniela and Jhoan Ramirez, and Marlyn Pineda are immigration parolees, while Alexandra Ramirez is in the U.S. on a tourist visa, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

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Fox News’ Jennifer Johsnson contributed to this report.

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New Hampshire

Benefit held Maine man badly injured after getting hit on I-95 while shielding teen

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Benefit held Maine man badly injured after getting hit on I-95 while shielding teen


MEDFORD, Maine (WGME) — A community is rallying and raising money for a Medford man who is fighting for his life after being hit by a vehicle on I-95 while helping a teen driver.

Scott Thibodeau’s family said he is on a breathing tube and badly injured after he was hit by a car on I-95 last month.

Police said he and his wife stopped to help another driver who went off the road in Veazie.

Thibodeau and the teen driver were outside their vehicles when police said another driver hit them.

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Police said Thibodeau put himself in front of the teen to shield her and suffered worse injuries.

Scott Thibodeau’s family said he is on a breathing tube and badly injured after he was hit by a car on I-95 last month. (Thibodeau Family via WVII)

Thibodeau is active in the automotive community in his area and on Sunday, they held a fundraiser to help pay his medical bills.

“Scott being such a big part of the automotive community and the mud runs and everything, it was something kind of like we needed to do,” said organizer Nick Souza.

“The amount of appreciation is never something I’ll be able to repay, so thank you is the best I’ve got,” said Janis Thibodeau, Scott’s wife.

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Thibodeau just celebrated his 55th birthday from the ICE. His wife says his road to recovery will be long and uncertain.

A Facebook page has been created to document Thibodeau’s healing journey. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Thibodeau’s family.



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New Jersey

Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots

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Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots


New Jersey offers some fantastic spots for sea glass hunting, particularly along the Delaware Bay and certain parts of the Atlantic coast.

Here are some of the best places to increase your chances of finding frosted treasures:

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Jersey Shore

  • Barnegat Light: Many sea glass enthusiasts recommend Barnegat Light, especially by the jetty. Look in the sand and around the jetty rocks.
  • Popamora Point Beach (Highlands): A free, clean state park beach with good potential, offering views of the Sandy Hook Bay.
  • Bay Head: This peaceful Ocean County beach has gained a reputation as a great sea glass destination and is often less crowded than other spots.
  • Sandy Hook (Bayside): While the ocean side might not be as fruitful, the bay side of Sandy Hook can yield good results.

South Jersey

  • East Point Beach (Heislerville, Maurice River Township): This hidden gem where the Delaware River and Maurice River meet the bay is excellent. The area has a rich history of glass production and shipwrecks, contributing to the sea glass supply.
  • Higbee Beach (Cape May): Another Delaware Bay gem, known for its rustic feel and good potential for sea glass, pottery shards and old bottles.
  • Sunset Beach (Cape May): This is perhaps the most famous spot in New Jersey for sea glass and for “Cape May Diamonds” (naturally tumbled quartz). The Delaware Bay beaches tend to yield more glass due to historical shipping activity and less intensive beach replenishment compared to some oceanfront areas.
  • Townbank (Cape May): Located on the Delaware Bay and often cited by local hunters for its good finds.

Where to look for sea glass

  • High tide wrack line: This is the line of debris left by the highest tide, often containing shells, driftwood and, yes, sea glass.
  • Rocky or pebbly beaches: Sea glass tumbles and smooths more effectively on beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles or rocks. Heavily raked sandy beaches are generally less productive.
  • Near inlets, bays and historic areas: Areas with historical shipping, fishing or even old dump sites can be great sources of old glass that has been tumbling for decades.
  • Near jetties: These structures can trap debris, including sea glass.

What is sea glass?

Sea glass is essentially nature’s polished gemstone, born from discarded glass that has been transformed by the persistent forces of the ocean. Imagine a broken bottle or piece of tableware tossed into the sea. Instead of remaining a sharp, dangerous shard, it embarks on a multi-decade journey of transformation.

Sea glass occurs in a spectrum of colors, reflecting its original source. Common hues include greens, browns and clear/white, primarily from bottles and jars. Rarer colors like blue, purple, red, orange and yellow are highly prized by collectors, often originating from older or less common glass items such as medicine bottles, insulators or specialized art glass.



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Pennsylvania

2 Pennsylvania firefighters killed in vehicle collision during a search for a missing woman

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2 Pennsylvania firefighters killed in vehicle collision during a search for a missing woman


RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two firefighters traveling in a utility vehicle along a Pennsylvania road during a search for a missing woman were killed in a head-on crash with a car, officials said.

The two members of the Walnuttown Fire Company died after the crash with a Toyota Camry at about 6 p.m. Saturday, roughly 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia. Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick Jr. were heading north when they were struck by a sedan heading south on Route 222, according to the Berks County Coroner.

NBC Philadelphia reported that the utility vehicle was riding on the shoulder of Route 222 when the Camry swerved off of the road. Police told the station that a male and a female who were in the Camry when it crashed fled and were later arrested.

Video from the crash scene shows the utility vehicle on its side.

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No further details about the arrest or the search for the missing woman were immediately available Sunday.

A call and an email seeking information were made to the Fleetwood Police Department.

Autopsies on the firefighters, both residents of Fleetwood, were scheduled for Monday.

“At this time we would like to send our thoughts and prayers” to the Shick and Buck families, the Walnuttown Fire Company said in a Facebook post. “Rest easy chiefs, we got it from here.”

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