image of the Statue of LibertyJuly 10, 2018 -- Following last week’s arrest of a Congers man by Westchester County Police (updated press info below) for selling fake Green Cards to undocumented immigrants residing in Mount Kisco, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. is reminding immigrants in Westchester of an important service of the District Attorney’s Office: Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

It’s important for immigrants to know that all Westchester County residents have the right to live without being victimized by anyone and know they can report a crime committed against them or report a crime they have witnessed without fear­--even if they don’t speak English, don’t understand the laws of the U.S., or are residing in the U.S. without legal status. Our office is here to help. We will meet with people anywhere they feel comfortable and speak with them in any language.

“Because immigrants are often exploited for their vulnerability, we believe they should know their rights and seek help without fear of reprisal.” Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said. “We commend those who have come forward to seek justice in this case and the Westchester County Police on this scam arrest. Most importantly, we want to make sure immigrants know they can reach out to our office whether they are victims of a crime or witnesses to a crime.”

Contact DA's Office of Immigrant Affairs
Call the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Hotline at (914) 995-1616. Translators are available. The Office can also be reached by sending an e-mail to oia@westchesterda.net.

For more information, view or download our brochure about Immigrant Affairs.

 

 -- Westchester County Police Press Release --

Man Arrested in Green Card Scam
Undocumented Immigrants Cooperate in Investigation Involving Man Impersonating Federal Agent

July 6, 2018 -- On the morning of July 5, 2018, Westchester County Police detectives arrested a 48-year-old Rockland County resident in connection with a scam, in which he promised “Green Cards” in exchange for cash to undocumented immigrants residing in Mount Kisco.

Marko Nikac was arrested at his home in Congers, NY by detectives from the Westchester County Police General Investigations Unit. The arrest followed a two-monthlong investigation into allegations that while impersonating a federal agent, Nikac offered to provide three undocumented immigrants with United States Resident Alien Cards (also known as “Green Cards”) for $3,000 each. Nikac was charged with two counts of felony Criminal Impersonation in the 1st Degree, one count each of the felonies Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, and one count of misdemeanor Scheme to Defraud in the Second Degree. Nikac was arraigned July 5, 2018, in Mount Kisco Village Court and released on $2,000 bail.

DA Update: Nikac’s next court appearance is scheduled July 12, 2018, in Mount Kisco.

police photograph of Marko Nikac

Marko Nikac

  In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Media contact:
media@westchesterda.net

(914) 995-3586