PORTLAND — A Westbrook woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to one count of making false statements on immigration applications and two counts of making false statements on benefit applications.
Nasteho Sharif, a 28-year-old from Somalia, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution to programs from which she illegally obtained government benefits.
In August 2003, Sharif purported to be someone else when she entered the country and was admitted as a refugee, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She’s also accused of fraudulently obtaining a Social Security number and receiving federally funded benefits.
A date for her sentencing hearing has not yet been set.
Sharif’s lawyer, Richard Berne, said the circumstances of her situation were “extremely extenuating” and that he hoped the court would recognize that in determining the penalty in her case.
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