Former CO immigration attorney arrested for allegedly faking positive COVID test at UI

Hunter
11/04/21

A former immigration attorney wanted on theft charges in Colorado was arrested in Iowa City this week after allegedly fabricating a positive COVID test from the University of Iowa in attempt to avoid an in-person court appearance in Boulder.

41-year-old Emily Cohen was booked at the Johnson County jail Tuesday afternoon on a detainer from Boulder County after prosecutors found a screenshot she made that was sent to the courts Monday so she could get out of an in-person case management conference.

During another virtual session Tuesday, Cohen was told the person who allegedly signed the letter excusing her denied writing it. When confronted, Cohen reportedly dropped off the call.

The Daily Camera newspaper reports that Cohen is scheduled for a 10-day trial in Boulder County on Dec. 6 for 11 felony theft counts. She allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars in fees from immigrant families before losing contact with them without producing visas or work permits.

A warrant was issued for Cohen’s arrest and extradition back to Colorado. It’s not clear why Cohen was in Iowa City.