Miami pastor, associate accused of $21K fraud scheme targeting immigrants

A Miami pastor and an associate are behind bars after officials reported they orchestrated a months-long fraud scheme that targeted immigrants seeking legal assistance using a church as the front Pastor Nelson David Ochoa Vasquez was arrested Thursday at La Iglesia de Dios Jireh located on SW th Street and charged in connection with an organized fraud assessment by the Miami-Dade Sheriff s Office Organized Crimes Bureau A co-defendant -year-old Ismer Gonzalez was arrested separately the same day According to arrest reports between April and January Ochoa Vasquez introduced at least casualties to Gonzalez through his church falsely claiming Gonzalez was an immigration attorney who could help them obtain work permits and driver s licenses Casualties paid more than through Zelle payments made to a company registered to Gonzalez Brothers Multiservicio LLC or in cash directly to Pastor Ochoa Vasquez according to the reports Detectives stated neither man provided the promised services or issued refunds Subpoenaed financial records show the funds were spent on luxury items from brands like Gucci Louis Vuitton and Fendi as well as voyage to South America and Europe Florida Bar records confirm neither Gonzalez nor Ochoa Vasquez is licensed to practice law in the state Ochoa Vasquez and Gonzalez were arrested and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Detectives believe there are additional casualties and they are asking for them to come forward to assessment and or provide any additional information about this incident If you have any information on this crime call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at - -TIPS Remember you can unfailingly remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward of up to