Doctor accused of faking immigrant exams

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Los Angeles doctor is facing serious charges after allegedly falsifying medical exams for immigrants applying for visas.

Officials arrested 72-year-old Levon Tebelekian and charged him with fraud, misuse of immigration documents and making false statements. The arrest came after a joint investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the California Medical Board.

ICE officials say medical exams are required for immigrants applying for permanent residency to ensure they don't have any medical conditions or diseases that might pose a public health threat, such as tuberculosis and HIV.

Federal investigators say Tebelekian got as much as $150 per person to complete medical exam forms, but he never saw the patients. If convicted, Telebekian faces up to 80 years in prison.

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