A man accused of impersonating a Houston police officer is wanted for allegedly scamming several church musicians out of thousands of dollars by promising visas.
HOUSTON — A man accused of impersonating a Houston police officer is wanted for allegedly scamming several church musicians out of thousands of dollars by promising to help them obtain U.S. work visas.
Jose Israel Ruano Ventura, 54, is facing charges in Harris County for impersonating a public servant and theft. According to court documents, he targeted members of a church on Long Point Road by claiming he could help them secure P-2 visas, which are typically granted to entertainers.
One victim told KHOU 11 News that Ventura showed them a badge, carried a gun, and shared pictures of himself in what appeared to be a police uniform. He allegedly told the musicians they would participate in a six-month Christian music tour and charged them $415 each as an initial fee. Some victims later paid thousands more.
“Just for the visa alone, he said it would cost $13,000,” one victim said in Spanish. “We trusted him because we believed he was a police officer.”
One woman reportedly paid more than $6,000 before Ventura disappeared. Authorities said multiple victims have come forward.
Immigration attorney Silvia Mintz says scams like this are not uncommon, especially among those desperate for legal immigration options.
“Don’t go through the process with someone who isn’t a licensed attorney,” Mintz said. “If someone claims to have special authority or offers visas without paperwork, that should be a red flag.”
Houston police have issued a warrant for Ventura’s arrest and said Homeland Security has also been notified.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact HPD.