ICE Detention Facility Detains And Deports Undocumented Aliens

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer allegedly demanded cash and sex from unauthorized immigrants in return for protection from deportation. (John Moore | Getty Images)

NEWARK -- A federal grand jury Monday indicted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer for allegedly demanding bribes from unauthorized immigrants in exchange for legal protection from deportation.

According to the indictment, Arnaldo Echevarria, 38, of Somerset was paid $78,000 in bribes from seven unauthorized immigrants. He also allegedly coerced sex from two immigrants, including an eighth woman from North Plainfield who became pregnant in 2011 with their child, it says.

When unauthorized immigrants are in the process of deportation hearings, those from certain countries that are experiencing environmental disaster, armed conflict and other extraordinary conditions may secure employment authorizations that allow them to work legally in the United States for a year, said the office of U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. The authorizations can be renewed.

After receiving the bribes and sexual favors, Echevarria had the individuals' cases listed on the temporary protected status list, the indictment says, even though none applied for protection.

After the woman became pregnant by Echevarria, the court papers say, he encouraged her to have an abortion, but she refused. He continued to renew the woman's employment authorizations in exchange for sex, the indictment says.

In addition, Echevarria helped his girlfriend -- an unauthorized immigrant living in Newark and using false identification -- open a West Orange hair salon, it says.

Echevarria owned the business, made her the manager, and paid her and other employees in cash, it says.

Echevarria's attorney, Michael Koribanics of Clifton, was not immediately available for comment.

Each of the seven bribery counts against Echevarria carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Charges of harboring an alien and making false statements to ICE authorities both carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and $250,000 fines.

Tim Darragh may be reached at tdarragh@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @timdarragh. Find NJ.com on Facebook.