WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Feds: NY immigration officer took bribes
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Associated Press - December 8, 2009 3:05 PM ET
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) - An immigration officer on Long Island is accused of soliciting and taking bribes from people seeking approval of their citizenship applications.
Melford Christmas had an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in Central Islip (EYE'-slihp), but did not enter a plea. A public defender declined to comment.
A complaint says that between April 2007 and November 2009, Christmas demanded bribes from four applicants seeking citizenship.
Federal prosecutors say at least 3 of them paid sums ranging from $500 to $1,000, and Christmas approved their applications. A fourth applicant didn't pay, and contacted the authorities.
If convicted, Christmas could face 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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