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Mass. Worker Charged In Scam To Defraud Immigrants

A Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles employee is accused of charging illegal immigrants for driver's licenses she never delivered and falsely claiming she could help them delay deportation.

Adriana Ferreira of Boston was arrested Friday and pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to charges including corruption, bribery and larceny. A judge set $50,000 cash bail.

Authorities claim Ferreira, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Brazil, charged victims $2,000, but didn't deliver any documents. They said she also falsely told the victims she knew someone in the federal government who could delay a deportation for a fee. Authorities say Ferreira didn't know any immigration officials.

The RMV said it has "zero tolerance" for behavior that compromises its integrity and continues to cooperate with law enforcement.

Ferreira's attorney is questioning the strength of the evidence against her.

This program aired on November 16, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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