Posing as an IRS and Immigration Agent: New Jersey Woman Indicted for Allegedly Taking $25,000 From Immigrant New Yorkers

Published Oct. 23, 2026. Case statuses are current as of that date.

For immigrants trying to get a work permit, a green card or citizenship, someone who says they work for the government and can "guarantee" results can seem like a lifeline. Manhattan prosecutors say that is exactly the pitch Edith Capellan, 54, of Bayonne, New Jersey, used. Prosecutors allege she posed as an IRS agent, an immigration agent and an immigration services provider and took more than $25,000 in upfront fees from four people between 2024 and 2026 [1].

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced the indictment on Oct. 14, 2026. His office says the investigation is ongoing and has asked anyone who may be a victim to call 212-335-3600, "regardless of immigration status" [1].

Important: Charges are allegations. The defendant named below has not been convicted and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

How the scheme allegedly worked

According to court documents and statements on the record, as described by the district attorney's office [1]:

1. A borrowed badge. Capellan allegedly lured victims by falsely claiming to be an IRS and immigration agent who could complete immigration paperwork.
2. A guarantee. She allegedly promised positive results, such as permanent residency and citizenship.
3. Fees up front. Victims allegedly paid her thousands of dollars before any work was done.
4. Fake progress. Prosecutors say she falsely claimed to have submitted applications or taken other steps for her clients.
5. No proof. When victims followed up, she allegedly refused to provide documents, receipt numbers or other evidence that would have revealed the fraud.
6. Covering tracks. In one instance, prosecutors say, she asked a victim to delete their messages. In another, she allegedly put one victim's personal identifying information on another victim's paperwork.

The alleged conduct ran from May 23, 2024, to June 5, 2026 [1].

"As alleged, Edith Capellan donned a cloak of legitimacy by impersonating federal agents," District Attorney Bragg said. "She allegedly took advantage of immigrants in need of legal assistance obtaining work permits, permanent residency, and United States citizenship" [1].

The person charged and her status

Edith Capellan, 54, of Bayonne, New Jersey, is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with [1]:

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony (one count);
• Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud in the First Degree, a class E felony (one count); and
• Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony (one count).

The release does not say whether she has entered a plea or give a next court date. The prosecution is handled by the office's Financial Frauds Bureau and Immigrant Affairs Unit. The district attorney thanked the NYPD's Bronx Grand Larceny Squad [1]. Local coverage also reported the indictment [2].

Red flags

• Anyone who says they are an IRS or immigration "agent" and also offers to file your paperwork for a fee. Government employees do not sell immigration services on the side.
• A guaranteed green card, work permit or citizenship. No one can guarantee the result of an immigration application.
• Large upfront cash fees with no written contract.
• No receipt numbers. When USCIS accepts an application, it issues a receipt notice with a receipt number you can track online. If your preparer won't give you one, that is a serious warning sign.
• Requests to delete messages or keep the arrangement secret.
• "Notarios." In many Latin American countries a notario público is a lawyer, but in the U.S. a notary public cannot give legal advice on immigration.

What to do if you're targeted

1. Use authorized help only. Licensed attorneys and representatives accredited by the Justice Department (listed on the DOJ's Executive Office for Immigration Review website) can give immigration legal advice.
2. Check your case yourself with your receipt number on the USCIS Case Status Online page, or call USCIS.
3. If you may be a victim in this case, call the Manhattan District Attorney's Office at 212-335-3600, "regardless of immigration status" [1].
4. New York residents can also contact the state Office for New Americans hotline or the Attorney General's office; New Jersey residents can contact the Division of Consumer Affairs.
5. Report impersonation to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting does not require proof of immigration status.

Case status (as of Oct. 23, 2026)

Defendant	Court	Status	Source
Edith Capellan, 54, Bayonne, N.J.	New York State Supreme Court (Manhattan)	Indicted: grand larceny 3rd degree, immigrant assistance services fraud 1st degree, scheme to defraud 1st degree; plea not reported; presumed innocent	[1]

Those not convicted are presumed innocent. Statuses can change.

Sources

1. Manhattan District Attorney's Office, "D.A. Bragg: Woman Indicted For Defrauding Immigrant New Yorkers By Posing As Federal Agent," Oct. 14, 2026. https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-woman-indicted-for-defrauding-immigrant-new-yorkers-by-posing-as-federal-agent/
2. Elise Hadley, "Bayonne Woman Charged With Stealing $25K By Posing As Federal Immigration Agent," Hoodline, Oct. 15, 2026. https://hoodline.com/2026/10/bayonne-woman-charged-with-stealing-25k-by-posing-as-federal-immigration-agent/

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