Officials: LA doctor faked immigrant medical exams

Associated Press
11/03/09 4:50 PM PST

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles doctor has been arrested for allegedly falsifying the results of medical exams for immigrants applying for visas.

Officials say 72-year-old Levon Tebelekian is charged with fraud and making false statements after a joint investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the California Medical Board.

ICE's Miguel Unzueta says immigrants applying for permanent residency must undergo a medical exam to ensure they don't have any medical conditions or diseases that could threaten public health.

Investigators say immigrants paid Tebelekian up to $150 to complete the medical examination form, but never saw the doctor.

If convicted, the physician faces up to 80 years in prison.

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