Delaware Man Accused Of Scam Targeting Immigrants

GREENWOOD, Del. (CBS) – A former middle school English teacher from Delaware is accused of targeting local Hispanic immigrants in a scam that preyed on their vulnerability.

Forty-seven-year-old Jose Oyola, of Greenwood, is facing charges including Theft and Extortion following an investigation by State Police.

Police say that Oyola, who was a middle school teacher for the Woodbridge School District and a coordinator for the English as a Second Language program, promised numerous services to the immigrant families he was able to come into contact with via his job and never delivered on them. Such services included securing legal work residencies, visas and housing for the victims, who were charged fees ranging from $100 to more than $5,000.

Officials say that Oyola never delivered on his promises and proceeded to threaten his victims with deportation if they didn't make their payments or tried to file a claim with the authorities.

Authorities were alerted to Oyola's activities after several victims approached members of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit who attended the 2010 Hispanic Festival in Millsboro.

Jose Oyola was arrested on April 18th and now faces six felony charges, including one count of Extortion and five counts of Theft.