July 14, 2011

American admits passport fraud

By David Clarkson at Nga Hau e Wha marae

An American facing prosecution for benefit fraud in Oregon used a passport in the name of his dead step-brother to get permanent residency in New Zealand.

Fifty-one-year-old Shawn Pitts admitted seven Immigration Act breaches at a Christchurch District Court sitting at the Nga Hau e Wha marae today.

Judge Stephen Erber remanded him for a probation report and sentencing on September 16 and effectively warned him of a likely prison term. ?This sort of fraud is regarded very seriously in this country and you should organise your affairs.?

Crown prosecutor Pip Currie said a warrant had been issued for Pitts? arrest in Oregon on social security fraud charges, but he obtained a passport in the name of his step-brother who died in 1999.

He travelled to New Zealand in 2004 using that passport and and applied for a work permit under the false name. The permit was issued, and Pitts later applied for another permit.

In March 2006 he applied for residence on the basis of partnership with a New Zealand citizen.

When he was interviewed by officials he admitted the facts and said he wanted to conceal his identity to avoid the charges he faced in the United States.

Currie told the judge there was as yet no move to have him extradited to the United States.

Pitts remains on bail pending sentencing.