Ex-US immigration official could face jail
March 23 2010 by Liam Clifford
A former senior employee for Homeland security was yesterday convicted on the charge of inciting her ex-housekeeper to remain in the United States illegally.
The US immigration official, Lorraine Henderson, had been suspended from her $140,000 a-year position without pay following the investigation into the hiring of illegal immigrant Fabiana Bittencourt, who had been smuggled into the country illegally from Brazil.
Henderson who was entwined in a sting operation after the authorities were tipped off by a work colleague was said to be in ‘deep shock’ after the verdict was read out in court.
Outside court, Francis J. DiMento, who was defending the ex-US immigration big-wig also confessed his dismay at the outcome of the case; poetically stating “I’m sick.”
The case had centred on the law that it was not in fact illegal to hire an illegal worker, however, it is against the law to encourage an illegal worker to stay in the US. The court had heard a tape recording made by Bittencourt of the pair discussing the Brazilians status in the country, Henderson was clearly heard in the recording saying: “You can’t leave. Don’t leave….Cause once you leave, you will never come back.’’
Lorraine Henderson left court surrounded by 10 friends and family, but will return on June 17 for sentencing.
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