Six people in Massachusetts, United States, have been charged over an alleged marriage fraud scheme that helped undocumented immigrants obtain legal immigration status for payments of up to $40,000.
According to The PUNCH, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts disclosed the charges in a statement, alleging that the operation had generated millions of dollars over more than a decade.
The alleged mastermind, 43-year-old Jennifer Gonzalez, reportedly arranged between 18 and 20 fraudulent marriages annually, charging clients between $38,000 and $40,000.
Other defendants include Erica Daniels, 29; Chreise Alejandro, 39; Amara Pugh, 31; Jessica Tavares, 31; and Jaylin Hill, 26.
Authorities accused Gonzalez of paying US citizens to marry undocumented immigrants, allowing them to submit fraudulent documents to immigration officials.
US investigators uncover alleged marriage fraud operation
According to court documents, Gonzalez allegedly instructed clients to create evidence suggesting their marriages were genuine.
These included opening joint bank accounts, obtaining life insurance policies and taking photographs together as married couples.
Investigators also reportedly recorded Gonzalez accepting a $3,000 cash deposit while directing the preparation of a disguised loan agreement.
She allegedly explained that mentioning the spouse in the document would be “incriminating.”
Authorities further alleged that clients made monthly payments of $500 to their assigned spouses or associates to maintain the arrangements.
During recorded conversations, Gonzalez allegedly described Massachusetts as a favourable destination for undocumented immigrants because of its sanctuary policies.
“Massachusetts is the best place for you to be. That is a fact,” she allegedly told a prospective client.
Six defendants face immigration, welfare fraud allegations
Investigators further alleged that Gonzalez invested proceeds from the operation in businesses and properties in the Dominican Republic.
The case also involves allegations of welfare fraud, with several defendants accused of providing false marital information when applying for public benefits.
Gonzalez allegedly received more than $120,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme benefits while operating the business.
Five defendants, including Gonzalez, Daniels, Alejandro, Pugh and Tavares, were arrested on Wednesday, October 21.
Hill is currently serving a state prison sentence for an unrelated firearms offence.
All six face charges involving conspiracy to harbour undocumented immigrants, harbouring undocumented immigrants and marriage fraud.
The harbouring offences carry maximum prison sentences of 10 years, while marriage fraud charges carry up to five years.
Authorities confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
