Summary

As a result of a joint investigation conducted by OIG, INS, and the Social Security Administration OIG, seven illegal foreign nationals pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, NC, to charges related to gaining access to secure areas of the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport under false pretenses. The seven defendants were sentenced to time served and are being processed for deportation. The investigation resulted in 66 indictments on March 8 and the subsequent arrest of 51 individuals on charges of using false immigration documents, Social Security numbers, and security badge applications. Fifteen defendants have outstanding arrest warrants and are fugitives. At this time, 44 defendants are scheduled for criminal trials beginning on April 15.