8Philadelphia, PA – A former Liberian rebel general who concealed his role in his country’s civil war to obtain U.S. immigration benefits was sentenced Sept. 11 to more than four years in federal prison, immigration officials announced.

Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, fraudulently secured permanent residency in 2010 by denying involvement in armed conflict, human rights abuses, or the use of child soldiers, according to the investigation.

Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia determined Camara held a leadership role during Liberia’s civil war and facilitated atrocities against civilians, including recruiting children to fight. By failing to disclose this history, he was able to enter the United States and gain lawful immigration status.

“As a leader in Liber

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