Man admits bribing federal worker to help get visas approved

TRENTON, New Jersey (AP):

A New Jersey man has admitted to paying a federal employee a cash bribe to favourably handle and review non-immigrant visas so people from the Dominican Republic could apply for entry into the United States.

Federal prosecutors say Luis Santos paid US$2,381 to a US Consular Adjudicator in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The 37-year-old Teaneck man now faces up to 15 years in prison when he's sentenced on December 18.

Santos pleaded guilty Friday to bribery of a public official. The payment was made through a relative of Santos who lives in the Dominican Republic.

Authorities say the bribe was for five applications in March. Each of the applicants paid US$1,000, which was roughly split between Santos and the official.

Santos faces up to 15 years in prison if he's convicted.