Three Minnesotans accused of targeting and defrauding immigrants at Twin Cities area churches are now facing criminal charges.
Prosecutors on Wednesday charged 48-year-old Luis Baltazar Leiva Aquino and 40-year-old Kira Milany Romero Pinto, both of Lakeville, as well as 40-year-old Lake Elmo resident Denis Rigoberto Aquino Martinez, with multiple counts of theft by swindle. Pinto, who faces 12 charges, easily the most of the defendants, is also charged with racketeering.
Washington County authorities say the trio would seek out Spanish-speaking immigrants at local churches, mention their connection to a fake attorney named “Isabella Jason,” and offer them legal services, jobs and expedited citizenship in exchange for payments that totaled thousands of dollars…