My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts
A friend of mine was recently involved in a very serious situation. Out of desperation during financial problems, he was involved with 2 other people in multiple cases of return fraud (Over $200 per store) in several stores. One of the people was arrested after police reviewed a tape and recognized him from a previous arrest. He is an illegal alien and was arrested during a random traffic stop prior to the incident which is how they have his photo on file. Police came to his house, found the items, and arrested him. He now has a court date (And has hired a lawyer). When questioned by police he didn't admit to knowing anything, but the police want to know who the other people involved are (Who are also on camera). All that is seen on camera is buying the items, then returning the same unopened items later.
The other two people haven't left any fingerprints, no license plate to catch, etc. The two other people involved don't know what to do now. They were already planning on moving cross country in a couple months. Is it likely that the illegal immigrant's lawyer will advise him to give names and accept a plea bargain, or to plead innocent? The illegal is hoping to move into the country legally in the future, so this is important to him. If the other two people move will that help anything or is it likely that if names are given a warrant will be issued and that they will be extradited from cross-country? Is a search warrant likely to be issued? Any other advice? None of the people have any prior convictions and have been otherwise upstanding members of society prior to this act of financial desperation.Thank you for any help on what my friend can do.
I apologize but I accidently posted this in the Fraud forum. The charge is "Larceny over $250."

