New York Woman Indicted for Stealing $73K From Victims of Caribbean Descent in Immigration Scam

Defendant allegedly posed as attorney; thousands of applications, $425,000 seized from home

NEW YORK — A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York task force investigation resulted in the indictment of a Queens woman for allegedly defrauding 10 people out of $73,000 by promising to improve their immigration status.

Windella Sanderson Wells, 54, of Queens, was arraigned July 31 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Raymond Bruce on a 44-count indictment charging first-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree unlawful possession of personal information, practicing or appearing as attorney-at-law without being admitted and first-degree falsifying business records. The defendant was placed on supervised release and is due back in court Nov. 1.

“As alleged, Windella Sanderson Wells posed as an attorney and targeted a growing number of Caribbean victims, whom she deceived into paying thousands of dollars for services that were never rendered as promised,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “The defendant is accused of joining a growing population of criminals committing what has been dubbed a ‘dream scam.’ She allegedly preyed upon individuals who were seeking to legitimately undergo the immigration process, and in turn exploited their pursuits of the American dream. HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is unwavering in its dedication to protecting all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable.”

An arrest and search warrant executed early July 31 at the defendant’s home resulted in the seizure of $425,000 in cash along with thousands of client applications.

According to the investigation, in February 2023, HSI New York and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services referred this matter to the Bronx District Attorney’s Financial Frauds Bureau. According to the investigation, the defendant allegedly targeted people from the Guyanese, Jamaican and Haitian communities. Between Sept. 1, 2019, and May 1, 2023, Wells allegedly posed as a licensed attorney and accredited immigration preparer, claiming she was experienced in assisting undocumented immigrants. She promised her victims she would get their applications approved and directed them to sign the documents.

The defendant allegedly collected exorbitant fees varying in amount. In one case, she demanded and received $22,000 in cash. She allegedly took a total of $73,000 from 10 people. All the applications she filed were rejected.

HSI’s investigation was conducted by its Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.

Arvelo commended U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor for their outstanding collaboration.

“The defendant allegedly preyed upon vulnerable members of our undocumented community — men and women who were simply seeking to legally work and provide for their families. The defendant’s alleged exploitation turned their American dreams into a nightmare,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark.

Anyone who believes that they have been victimized by this defendant is encouraged to contact the HSI Tip Line by calling 877-4-HSI-TIP.