BI to deport Fil-Am fugitive

A Filipino-American, who was once a sergeant in the United States (US) Air Force, will soon be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to face bribery and extortion charges.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said yesterday Rommel Isidera Schroer became a fugitive in the US when he reportedly tried to extort money from drug traffickers, who turned out to be Federal Bureau of Investigation agents.

The US Embassy sought the help of the BI in locating Schroer after learning that he is in the country. Libanan immediately issued a mission order against him. The BI agents were able to track him to his place of work at the Paseo Tesoro Building on Pasay Road, Makati City.

Schroer has to face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and extortion pending against him before a district court in Arizona. If found guilty, he will be imprisoned for a maximum period of five years and meted a fine of $250,000.

He has been on the wanted list of US authorities since Oct. 18, 2006 when the Arizona court issued the arrest warrant against him. The US government has revoked his passport. He has been living in the country since Dec. 8, 2007.

He will be sent back home once the BI board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation.