According to a Department of Justice press release, a federal jury in Los Angeles convicted an Immigration and Naturalization Service asylum officer on corruption and civil rights charges.  Thomas A. Powell was convicted of using his power as an asylum officer to victimize two women in 2000. 

In one incident, he touched a female immigrant inappropriately and demanded sexual favors in exchange for recommending approval of her asylum application.  Her asylum was denied when she rejected his advances.  In a second incident, Powell solicited and received a $2,000 bribe from another immigrant seeking political asylum.  In exchange, Powell recommended approval of the application.

Powel faces a maximum of 31 years in federal prison.  Sentencing is scheduled to occur on November 22, 2004.