A San Luis Obispo County woman, Chantelle Lavergne Woods, 54, was arrested following a federal criminal complaint accusing her of falsifying hundreds of immigration documents. The complaint, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California on February 28, charges Woods with fraud and the misuse of visas, permits, and other documents—a felony carrying a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the U.S. attorney’s office, federal law mandates that green card applicants must submit a medical examination and vaccination record to assess physical and mental health factors. These examinations must be conducted by licensed physicians, known as “civil surgeons,” who are authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, from February 2021 to April 2024, Woods allegedly ran an illegal operation out of an Arroyo Grande medical clinic, where she created fraudulent medical examination and vaccination records for individuals seeking to adjust their immigration status.
Woods operated a website promoting her “Medical Weight Loss and Immigration Services,” claiming to offer assistance with immigration physicals. The site also falsely listed a physician as a “board-certified neurologist and designated civil surgeon for USCIS,” despite state medical records revealing that the doctor was, in fact, a pediatrician. In addition to forging documents, Woods is accused of using the signatures of physicians, including one who had already passed away, to create fake records.
The fraudulent conduct undermined the integrity of the immigration system, and law enforcement was quick to act after Woods’ deceptive practices were discovered. U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally commented on the case, emphasizing that these actions jeopardized the fairness of the immigration process.
Woods now faces serious legal repercussions for her role in facilitating fraudulent green card applications. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in federal prison for the charges she faces. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity within the U.S. immigration system.
The investigation continues, and Woods’ case underscores the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to prevent and prosecute immigration fraud.
