California Woman Pleads Guilty to Immigration Fraud and Drug Distribution
A San Luis Obispo County woman has admitted to a scheme involving the misuse of physicians’ medical identities and the distribution of controlled substances.Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, of Nipomo, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from her operation of a medical clinic in Arroyo Grande.
The Charges
- One count of presentation of a false immigration document or request.
- One count of possession with intent to distribute phendimetrazine.
Ms. Woods is currently free on $10,000 bond, awaiting sentencing.
The Immigration Fraud Scheme
According to court documents, Ms. Woods operated a clinic sometimes known as Medical Weight Loss and immigration Services.
Beginning in February 2021, she knowingly misused the identities of three physicians to create fraudulent documents for immigrants seeking lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, commonly known as a “green card,” or to adjust thier immigration status.
Federal law mandates that licensed physicians perform these examinations and attest to their accuracy. Ms. Woods completed at least 328 forms, falsely including the signatures of medical doctors, representing that individuals had been medically examined when they had not.
At times,there were no physicians present at the clinic,Woods acted without physician authorization,and the clinic did not provide legitimate medical services.
Drug Distribution and Deceased Doctor’s Credentials
The plea agreement also revealed that from February 2021 to June 2022, Ms. Woods used the Drug Enforcement Management (DEA) registration number of a deceased physician to order over 150,000 tablets of controlled substances. These included:
- Testosterone
- Codeine
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Diethylpropion (an appetite suppressant)
- phentermine (weight-loss medicine)
Arrest and Further Charges
In July 2022, authorities found Ms. Woods in possession of phendimetrazine – a weight-loss drug – with the intent to distribute, along with a loaded firearm, at the clinic.
Sentencing and legal Proceedings
United States district Judge Fernando M.Olguin has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 31. Ms. Woods faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Ventura Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad and USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy K. Beecher of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting the case.
