Man Posing as HPD Officer Scams Church Musicians Out of Thousands for Fake Visas

Impersonation and Visa Scam

• 🚨 A man, identified as 54-year-old Jose Ruano Ventura, is accused of posing as an HPD officer to scam undocumented immigrants.
• ⛪ The scam took place at a church off Longpoint Road, where Ventura allegedly gained the trust of parishioners.
• 💸 He promised to secure P2 visas, typically for performers and entertainers, for church musicians, claiming a six-month Christian tour was scheduled.

Financial Demands and Disappearance

• 💰 Initially, victims were charged a small fee of $415 per person.
• 📈 The cost escalated significantly, with victims claiming Ventura demanded up to $13,000 per visa.
• 🏃‍♂️ After collecting substantial amounts, including nearly $7,000 from one woman, Ventura vanished without a trace.

Expert Advice and Investigation

• ⚠️ Immigration attorney Sylvia M. notes that such scams are becoming more common due to the desperate immigration situation.
• 🚩 She advises that anyone offering a visa or special treatment due to connections with immigration authorities or other authorities should be considered a red flag.
• 🚓 HPD has issued a warrant for Ventura's arrest, facing charges including impersonating an officer, and has contacted Homeland Security.
• 🔍 The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe there may be other victims out there.
• 💡 One victim shared a painful lesson: "Not everything that shines is gold. And not everyone who seems friendly is telling the truth."