Immigration Fraud allegations involving a Massachusetts man ended in a federal guilty plea after prosecutors said he used altered government seals, paid training certificates and false claims about immigration protection to promote a private chaplaincy organization.
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Immigration Fraud Update
Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr., 50, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of government seals in the immigration fraud case, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and information published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Dos Santos faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, although the final punishment will be determined by the court.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2026, in the Middle District of Florida.
What federal prosecutors say happened
According to court documents, Dos Santos was president of Chaplain Emergency Management Agency Inc., commonly known as CEMA.
Prosecutors said CEMA was a private organization that Dos Santos falsely represented as a government agency endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The organization allegedly used altered versions of seals associated with the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and the FBI on identification cards, certificates, badges, clothing and other merchandise.
Federal authorities said neither Dos Santos nor CEMA had permission to use those seals or any affiliation with the federal agencies.
The case is an example of Immigration Fraud risks that can arise when private organizations falsely associate themselves with legitimate government agencies.
Authorities said CEMA advertised chaplaincy training courses in Florida, other states and foreign countries.
The courses were described as free to attend, but Dos Santos allegedly charged participants about $400 to $450 for a chaplaincy certificate after they completed the training.
Participants allegedly received identification cards, law enforcement-style badges and completion certificates that displayed federal seals or modified versions of those seals.
False claims about emergency authority and deportation
According to the government, Dos Santos told attendees that their CEMA identification cards and badges authorized them to assist law enforcement during emergencies.
He also allegedly claimed that CEMA chaplains could take control of emergency situations until law enforcement officers arrived.
Those claims were false, according to federal authorities.
Dos Santos also allegedly told attendees that their status as CEMA chaplains would provide a degree of immunity from immigration enforcement and protection from deportation.
USCIS and federal prosecutors said those promises were false and did not create any legal protection from immigration enforcement.
A private certificate, badge or organizational title cannot by itself change a person’s immigration status, prevent removal proceedings or provide immunity from federal immigration laws.
People who are offered immigration benefits, work authorization, deportation protection or special government status through a private training course should verify the claims directly with the relevant federal agency and report suspected immigration fraud.
Unusually high fees, government-style identification, promises of guaranteed immigration results and pressure to pay quickly are warning signs that may indicate Immigration Fraud.
How CEMA allegedly used federal symbols
Investigators said CEMA’s identification cards displayed a logo that modified the DHS seal and changed its wording to “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.”
The backs of the cards allegedly displayed a DHS and FEMA seal.
Course certificates allegedly displayed the FBI seal and another modified version of a FEMA seal.
CEMA also allegedly sold polo shirts, jackets, bumper stickers, badges and badge holders bearing DHS or FEMA symbols.
During an undercover operation on September 27, 2025, a confidential informant purchased merchandise at a CEMA training event, according to the Justice Department.
Approximately 30 to 45 people attended that training, federal authorities said.
Investigators also obtained access to a CEMA group chat that had more than 750 members when the investigation began in August 2025.
The group chat was allegedly used to promote additional courses and distribute digital flyers.
Federal authorities further alleged that CEMA’s website and social media accounts presented the organization as a government entity or federal agency.
The website also allegedly claimed that CEMA was fully accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training and the American Council on Education.
Arrest and immigration case details
Dos Santos was arrested on February 19, 2026, at Orlando International Airport after an investigation into alleged immigration fraud.
Authorities said he had traveled from Boston to Orlando for a CEMA training scheduled for February 21.
At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a CEMA polo shirt displaying a DHS seal on the sleeve and chest, according to prosecutors.
The Justice Department identified Dos Santos as a Brazilian national who came to the United States in 2016.
Federal officials said he overstayed his visa and was already in deportation proceedings.
The criminal case and the immigration proceedings are separate matters.
A guilty plea in the federal criminal case does not automatically determine the outcome of an individual’s immigration case, and immigration consequences depend on the applicable laws, court orders and agency decisions.
People facing removal proceedings or other immigration issues should consult a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice rather than relying on private organizations that promise immunity or guaranteed protection.
What the guilty plea means
By pleading guilty, Dos Santos admitted responsibility for the federal offenses identified in the plea agreement and immigration fraud case.
The plea resolves the criminal charges without the need for a trial on those counts.
The court will determine the sentence after considering the applicable federal sentencing rules, the facts presented by the parties and other legally relevant factors.
The statutory maximum is not the same as the sentence the court will ultimately impose.
The government’s announcement also does not establish that every person who attended a CEMA event was knowingly involved in wrongdoing.
Some attendees may have been victims or witnesses, including potential victims of immigration fraud, and investigators are asking people with information to come forward.
How potential victims can report the case
The FBI asked potential victims of the alleged scheme to contact CEMAPotentialVictims@fbi.gov no later than October 30, 2026.
People contacting investigators should preserve receipts, payment records, emails, text messages, certificates, identification cards, badges, photographs, social media messages and other materials connected to CEMA.
Potential victims should not alter or discard documents that may help investigators determine what was represented, what was paid and what services were provided.
The FBI also accepts reports of suspected federal crimes through its official reporting channels.
USCIS provides a secure tip portal for suspected immigration benefit fraud, abuse or related activity.
When reporting suspected Immigration Fraud, individuals should provide dates, names, locations, payment information, copies of documents and a clear explanation of what was promised.
People should avoid sending unrelated personal information and should keep copies of any materials submitted to investigators.
- Report potential CEMA victims to the FBI at CEMAPotentialVictims@fbi.gov by October 30, 2026.
- Submit suspected immigration fraud or abuse through the USCIS secure tip portal.
- Report other federal crime information through the FBI’s official tip system or local FBI office.
- Seek independent legal advice before responding to immigration enforcement or removal proceedings.
Agencies involved in the investigation
The investigation was led by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the FBI.
FEMA, the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate and the Federal Air Marshal Service assisted with the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Federal agencies said the case demonstrates the risks created when individuals misuse official seals and government credibility to obtain money or influence members of the public in an alleged immigration fraud scheme.
For immigrants and their families, the central warning is straightforward: private organizations cannot create immigration immunity, cancel deportation proceedings or confer federal authority merely by issuing a badge, certificate or identification card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges did Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr. admit to?
He pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of government seals in federal court.
What did CEMA allegedly promise participants?
According to federal authorities, CEMA offered chaplaincy training and allegedly claimed that its badges and certificates could authorize emergency-law-enforcement support and provide protection from immigration enforcement or deportation.
Can a private chaplaincy certificate prevent deportation?
No. A private certificate, badge or organizational title does not create immigration immunity or stop removal proceedings.
How can possible victims report the alleged scheme?
The FBI asked potential victims to email CEMAPotentialVictims@fbi.gov by October 30, 2026. Suspected immigration fraud can also be reported through the USCIS secure tip portal.
Fact-Checked: Reported from the USCIS release dated October 20, 2026, and cross-checked against the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announcement updated September 29, 2026, plus official FBI and USCIS reporting resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Individuals with immigration or criminal-case questions should consult a qualified attorney or authorized legal representative.
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