Conviction given on sex for refugee status

TORONTO, April 21 (UPI) -- A Toronto judge found a former Canadian immigration adjudicator guilty Wednesday of seeking sex from a South Korean woman in exchange for refugee status.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Thea Herman chastised Steve Ellis, 50, for abusing his authority as an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator in his dealings with Kim Ji-hye beginning in 2006, the National Post reported.

The critical piece of evidence was a recording the woman made during a meeting with Ellis in a coffee shop in which he was heard saying "We can do things together on the side," the report said.

"This was not a conversation between two equals," the judge said. "He literally held Ms. Kim's life in his hands as he leafed through her file. He was trying to use his considerable power for his benefit."

Ellis was released on bail until his sentencing June 4, the Post said.