Glenview lawyer convicted in immigration fraud case
CHICAGO (AP) - A Glenview immigration lawyer has been found guilty of helping clients fraudulently obtain asylum in the United States.
Robert Dekelaita was found guilty Monday of conspiracy to commit asylum fraud, procuring perjury during asylum interviews and knowingly offering false statements in asylum applications.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrianna Kastanek alleged Dekelaita told his clients to lie about persecution in Iraq and make up stories about rapes and executions by Islamic militants. Kastanek said the conspiracy occurred over 10 years. Dekelaita was indicted in September 2014.
Dekelaita's lawyers said the people who helped the government build its case are in the U.S. illegally and were out to protect themselves.
The U.S. attorney's office says a sentencing hearing has been set for Aug. 3.