San Diego
Prosecutors have filed court documents indicating that federal charges against a Sikh woman who claims she was entrapped by a federal undercover agent will be dropped. She was accused of working with a ring that smuggled Sikhs from India into the United States.
Assistant U.S. Atty. Joan P. Weber filed court papers this week confirming the government’s intention to drop smuggling and conspiracy charges against Kulwinder Kahlon, 24, at a June 3 hearing.
The action followed claims by defense attorney Craig Weinerman that an undercover agent seduced Kahlon and encouraged her to participate in the ring.
Weinerman also claimed in court documents that promises of money, immunity from prosecution and help with immigration problems were made to his client in exchange for information. The woman had told investigators that the ring was allegedly moving hundreds of undocumented Sikhs from India and Europe into the United States at fees of $4,000 to $5,000 each.
Weber said that the Office of Professional Responsibility of the Immigration and Naturalization Service was investigating allegations of improper conduct by two undercover agents.
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