KMIR 6 - Palm Springs News, Weather, SportsOfficials: LA doctor faked immigrant medical exams
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Associated Press - November 3, 2009 7:54 PM ET
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Los Angeles doctor has been arrested for allegedly falsifying the results of medical exams for immigrants applying for visas.
Officials say 72-year-old Levon Tebelekian is charged with fraud and making false statements after a joint investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the California Medical Board.
ICE's Miguel Unzueta says immigrants applying for permanent residency must undergo a medical exam to ensure they don't have any medical conditions or diseases that could threaten public health.
Investigators say immigrants paid Tebelekian up to $150 to complete the medical examination form, but never saw the doctor.
If convicted, the physician faces up to 80 years in prison.
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