Former Armenian Consul in LA Norayr Ghalumyan refutes the charges of US law machinery. The five, including Norayr Ghalumyan were arrested on federal charges that they allegedly obtained and sold to illegal aliens documents called “letters of refusal,” which allowed the aliens to avoid deportation.

“I am not guilty, as if I were — I would be in prison. Some facts should be clarified, and there is a lawyer to deal with all that,” Ghalumyan told Liberty radio station. He refuted the charges on selling official letters to illegal immigrants to help them avoid deportation. “How could I process fabricated documents? If there are any, they should be presented. I have to prove my innocence. The lawyer deals with proceedings and with further appeal, if the need emerges.”

The five are accused of supplying more than 20 letters of refusal from the Armenian Consulate for as much as $35,000 apiece. Many of those who purchased the letters were Armenian nationals facing deportation after being convicted of felony offenses in the United States.

Ghalumyan and four other accused, if convicted will serve a maximum penalty of five years in prison. They were arrested in the beginning of the week, however Ghalumyan and three members of consulate were released on bail. One is still under arrest.