NEW YORK, CMC – The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has announced the indictment of Windella Sanderson Wells, a 54-year-old woman from Queens, New York, accused of defrauding 10 Caribbean nationals out of US$73,000 by falsely promising to improve their immigration status. Wells was arraigned on July 31 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Raymond Bruce on a 44-count indictment. The charges include 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, practising or appearing as an attorney without admission, and first-degree falsifying business records.
Wells was placed on supervised release and is due back in court on November 1.
Allegations and Arrest
HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo stated that Wells posed as an attorney, targeting Caribbean victims and deceiving them into paying thousands of dollars for unrendered services. Arvelo emphasized that Wells joined a growing group of criminals committing what has been termed a “dream scam,” exploiting individuals pursuing the American dream.
On July 31, an arrest and search warrant executed at Wells’ home led to the seizure of US$425,000 in cash and thousands of client applications.
Scope of the Fraud
According to the investigation, between September 1, 2019, and May 1, 2023, Wells targeted nationals from Guyana, Jamaica, and Haiti. She posed as a licensed attorney and accredited immigration preparer, claiming to assist undocumented immigrants. Wells allegedly collected exorbitant fees from her victims, promising application approvals that never materialized. One victim reportedly paid her US$22,000 in cash. In total, she allegedly defrauded 10 people out of US$73,000, with all the applications she filed being rejected.
Official Statements
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark condemned Wells’ actions, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable undocumented individuals seeking legal work and a better future. Clark stated that Wells turned their dreams into a nightmare through her alleged fraudulent activities.
HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which investigated the case, is committed to protecting New Yorkers, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
