Auckland, New Zealand — Romney Marion Lavea, a notorious fraudster known for his previous offenses and health-related prison releases, has been sentenced to imprisonment once more. This time, Lavea faced the law for providing unlicensed immigration advice, an action that a judge noted has harmed New Zealand’s international reputation.
Lavea’s Court Appearance
The 55-year-old appeared in Auckland District Court this week, wearing an oversized poncho and relying on crutches due to his morbid obesity. During the hearing, his lawyer, Panama Le’au’anae, requested that Lavea be allowed to remain seated in the gallery instead of the dock because of his weight. However, Judge Evangelos Thomas denied this request, emphasizing that all defendants must adhere to standard court procedures.
In a bid for leniency, Le’au’anae urged the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence, citing Lavea’s health issues and remorse. The defense also aimed to facilitate reparations for his victims. Nonetheless, Judge Thomas dismissed these arguments, labeling Lavea as “an established liar” and expressing skepticism regarding his claims of remorse and the desire to make reparations.
“You are … an established liar,” Judge Thomas remarked, emphasizing his distrust in Lavea’s statements. “I can’t trust much that comes from your mouth. You’ve had many opportunities to put right what you have done [via restitution]. You’ve taken none of those opportunities.”
Previous Offenses and Early Releases
Lavea first gained notoriety in 2007 when he was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of forgery and providing false information to the Department of Labour, now known as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). He had been operating as an immigration consultant, submitting fraudulent job offers as part of his clients’ residence applications.
Following his sentencing, Lavea’s legal team argued for a reduction in his prison term due to his weight-related health complications. His attorney at the time, Chris Comeskey, claimed that Lavea weighed approximately 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and was so overweight that he could not perform basic hygiene tasks without assistance. The attorney argued that the prison environment would be disproportionately severe given Lavea’s health status.
However, in a preliminary bail decision released shortly after Lavea’s sentencing, the Court of Appeal expressed doubt about this line of reasoning. The court acknowledged the seriousness of Lavea’s offenses and the need for a sentence that included a deterrent aspect. Despite the initial skepticism, Lavea ultimately secured home detention shortly after his sentencing.
Further Criminal Activity
Only three months after receiving home detention, Lavea returned to court, this time pleading guilty to a separate identity theft scheme involving the identities of seven deceased children to acquire passports. These new charges of forgery dated back to 1996 and 1997, with potential penalties reaching up to ten years’ imprisonment.
At that time, Department of Internal Affairs Passports Manager David Philp condemned Lavea’s actions, stating, “The abuse of the identities of dead people is something we take extremely seriously.” He emphasized that such crimes undermine the integrity of the New Zealand passport system and cause renewed grief for the families affected.
The emotional impact of Lavea’s identity theft was palpable during his February 2008 sentencing, where the father of one of the deceased children expressed deep sorrow and frustration. Brian Thrussell recounted the loss of his firstborn son, Phillip, who died just one day after birth in 1960. He and his wife were devastated to learn that Lavea had misused their son’s identity, a situation that reportedly contributed to the early death of Thrussell’s wife.
Sentencing and Public Outrage
During the sentencing for the identity theft charges, Lavea’s weight once again became a focal point. His attorney again argued for a non-custodial sentence, citing the hardships he would face in prison. However, Judge Elizabeth Aitken refuted this claim, noting that prison authorities had indicated they could adequately meet Lavea’s needs while incarcerated.
Ultimately, Lavea received a two-year prison sentence but was granted early parole after serving just over four months. This decision provoked outrage from victims and the public alike. Brian Thrussell expressed his disgust upon learning of Lavea’s early release, believing the so-called “fat fraudster” had manipulated the system to secure a lighter sentence.
Ongoing Consequences
Lavea’s recent sentencing for providing unauthorized immigration advice adds another chapter to a long history of deceit and exploitation. His actions have not only harmed individual victims but have also raised concerns about New Zealand’s international standing regarding immigration practices.
Judge Thomas, during the latest hearing, highlighted the broader implications of Lavea’s actions. By providing dubious immigration advice without proper licensing, Lavea has contributed to a perception of unregulated practices within New Zealand’s immigration system.
Conclusion
Romney Lavea’s history of fraud, manipulation of the legal system, and unlicensed immigration practices underscore the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining the integrity of immigration services. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking a better life through immigration.
As Lavea begins yet another term of imprisonment, the focus remains on the importance of enforcing regulations in immigration consultancy and protecting the rights of those who rely on legitimate services. The ongoing fallout from his actions will likely resonate in discussions surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement in New Zealand for years to come.
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