Queens Man Accused of Stealing from Immigrants

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City prosecutors say a man promising work permits and green cards made off with about $40,000 from a dozen immigrants.

Marc Payen was awaiting arraignment Tuesday in Queens Criminal Court on charges of grand larceny and possession of a forced instrument. He is facing seven years in prison if convicted. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney and there was no phone listing for him.

Prosecutors say the 27-year-old Payen met with victims at his business where he would promise work permits and green cards for various fees, claiming the money would be paid to the Department of Homeland Security for fingerprint checks and other costs.

Some of the victims gave Payen money orders, leaving the "pay to" section blank, prosecutors say. He is accused of stealing money from at least eight families ranging between November 2007 and August 2008.