'Unremarkable Betrayal': Judge Sentences Immigration Attorney To 6 Years
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - A Boulder County judge responsible for sentencing an immigration attorney convicted of theft said the case wasn't just one of an attorney stealing money, but stealing from the most vulnerable of victims.
The judge referred to the crimes committed by Emily Cohen as an "unremarkable betrayal" and handed down a six-year prison term.
Cohen had to be brought to Boulder by authorities for the sentencing after being arrested in Colorado Springs, where she had checked in and out of a mental rehabilitation facility. That's where she was last week when she was supposed to be in court for her sentencing hearing. That hearing instead took place on Friday morning.
Cohen was convicted late last year on 13 counts. Prosecutors with the Boulder County District Attorney's office said her clients would come to her asking for help in gaining a path to citizenship but she ended up taking their money and never providing any services.
Because of Cohen's crimes one victim wound up deported and another wasn't allowed to enter the country. It's believed dozens of victims paid Cohen at least $100,000.
The judge called Cohen out for not showing any emotion during her trial or during Friday's sentencing.
Cohen's only statements in court on Friday were that she was sorry and that she "wasn't a very good lawyer."
"Our society trusts lawyers, gives lawyers a lot of authority, a lot of opportunity to work with people. And the community needs to know that lawyers and be trusted and if they violate that trust they will be held accountable," said District Attorney Stan Garnett.
Cohen was also sentenced to 10 years of probation. She will not be able to practice law during that time.