A woman from San Luis Obispo County has been arrested following allegations that she produced hundreds of fraudulent immigration documents. Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, from Nipomo, faces charges of fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. This felony carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Woods was taken into custody on Wednesday and appeared in the United States District Court on Thursday. She was released on a $10,000 bond, with her arraignment scheduled for March 25.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated, "The fraudulent conduct described in the criminal complaint undermined the integrity of our nation’s immigration system." He also praised law enforcement partners for their efforts in halting this activity.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates a medical examination and vaccination record to assess physical and mental health factors for applicants seeking legal status. These examinations must be conducted by licensed physicians known as "civil surgeons."
An affidavit filed on February 18 indicates that between February 2021 and April 2024, Woods operated a medical clinic in Arroyo Grande where she allegedly created fraudulent documents related to medical examination requirements for individuals aiming to obtain a lawful permanent resident card or adjust their immigration status.
Woods is accused of maintaining a website advertising her clinic as providing “Medical Weight Loss and Immigration Services,” including assistance with immigration physicals. The site falsely listed one doctor as an “M.D. Board Certified Neurologist and Designated Civil Surgeon for USCIS,” when he was actually a pediatrician according to the California Medical Board website.
She allegedly forged signatures from multiple doctors, including one who had died before the preparation of these fraudulent forms.
The complaint against Woods contains allegations that have yet to be proven in court; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Ventura Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad along with USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Elia Herrera from the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section alongside Mark Aveis from the Major Frauds Section are handling prosecution duties.