3 Charged in Half-Million Dollar Immigration Service Fraud Scheme

Nov 8

Three people are charged in what investigators describe as a widespread immigration fraud operation that targeted churchgoers.

Authorities say the scheme stole more than half a million dollars from at least 25 victims over nearly three years.

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According to criminal complaints filed in Washington County, Kira Milany Romero Pinto, 40, of Lake Elmo, is accused of leading the scheme with Denis Rigoberto Aquino Martinez, 40, of Lake Elmo, and Luis Baltazar Leiva Aquino, 48, of Lakeville. Prosecutors say the group operated under the guise of providing immigration and legal services through a fake attorney named “Isabella Jason,” collecting large sums of cash from people seeking visas, work permits, or citizenship.

From January 2023 through November 2025, Romero Pinto allegedly approached victims she met through churches in Inver Grove Heights and Woodbury, promising to secure legal residency or financial aid for families in need. In many cases, she claimed to have special access to government programs or attorneys who could speed up the immigration process, charging thousands of dollars in advance fees. Victims said she insisted on cash payments—often made at her Lake Elmo home—and told them to recruit additional people who needed help, claiming laws prevented her from assisting only one person.

Investigators say many of those targeted were members of Spanish-speaking congregations who trusted Romero Pinto’s religious ties. A Mendota Heights pastor told police that Romero Pinto offered to hire church members for restaurant jobs if they paid a deposit. Later, she promised immigration help and even tried to sell him a $12,000 “golden card” that she said would allow him to help others gain citizenship. He eventually paid nearly $30,000 before realizing the services were fraudulent.

Another couple said they met Romero Pinto through their church in early 2023 and gave her nearly $50,000 after she claimed she could obtain Social Security numbers and immigration paperwork for them. A separate family told police they gave her more than $40,000 for similar services that were never delivered. Several other victims, including a lawyer from El Salvador, told investigators they paid Romero Pinto between $8,000 and $48,000 each for help with visas or citizenship but never received documents or refunds.

Police say Aquino Martinez and Leiva Aquino were often present when victims arrived at the Lake Elmo home to make payments. Some said Aquino Martinez handled cash or checks, while Leiva Aquino introduced himself as a security worker or “secretary” for the supposed attorney, “Isabella Jason.” In one instance, a husband and wife said they were invited to the home for what they were told was a citizenship test, where they met both men. They later learned the attorney did not exist and that no immigration filings had been made.

When victims began raising concerns, the suspects allegedly tried to silence them. In July 2025, investigators say the three went to an Inver Grove Heights church and threatened a pastor who had been cooperating with police, telling him they could “call ICE” to have him deported if he continued speaking about the scheme.

A detective from the Mendota Heights Police Department later obtained search warrants for the group’s bank records, home, and storage units. Records showed at least 70 cash deposits into Aquino Martinez’s Wells Fargo accounts between 2023 and 2025, often matching the timing of reported victim payments. Investigators executing the warrants on Nov. 3, 2025, seized passports, checkbooks, and personal documents belonging to victims, along with fake contracts stamped with aliases “Kira Fallon Bisturbe” and “Dennys A. Bisturbe,” which police say were used to make the operation appear legitimate.

Romero Pinto is charged with one count of racketeering, eight counts of theft by swindle over $35,000, and four counts of theft by swindle over $5,000. Each of the higher theft counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, while the lower theft counts carry up to 10 years. The racketeering charge is punishable by up to 20 years and a $1 million fine.

Aquino Martinez is charged with three felony counts, including one count of theft by swindle over $5,000 and two counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle. Each offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Leiva Aquino faces three felony counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle, also punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine per count.

In total, investigators estimate the group took more than $563,700 through the fraudulent operation. All three defendants remain held without bail in Washington County Jail pending further court hearings.

Washington County Attorney Kevin M. Magnuson said in a statement, "This case is a disturbing example of individuals exploiting trust within immigrant communities. We are committed to holding accountable those who prey on vulnerable residents seeking help and stability."

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