Six Charged in Massachusetts Marriage Fraud Scheme

Federal authorities have charged six individuals in Massachusetts with operating a marriage fraud ring that allegedly facilitated as many as 20 sham marriages over the past decade, amassing millions of dollars. The scheme is accused of helping immigrants obtain legal status through fraudulent ceremonies.

Jennifer Gonzalez, identified as the alleged ringleader, is accused of orchestrating the operation. The other five defendants were allegedly paid by Gonzalez to participate in multiple marriages. The cost to immigrants for each fraudulent marriage ranged from $38,000 to $40,000. All six face charges including conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and harboring illegal aliens.

"What an affront the alleged conduct revealed here today must be to those who play by the rules," U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated. "To see a for-profit business whose sole purpose is helping people cheat and skip the line by simply paying for it must be so offensive and disheartening to those who follow our country’s laws.”

Five of the defendants were arrested Wednesday morning and were expected to appear in federal court. The sixth defendant is currently incarcerated for a firearms crime. Prosecutors allege that Gonzalez, an American citizen, used profits from the scheme to acquire businesses and real estate in the Dominican Republic.

This bust is the latest in a series of crackdowns on marriage fraud, occurring amidst increased immigration restrictions. In August, 11 people were charged in a separate scheme involving hundreds of Chinese nationals and sham marriages that reportedly generated tens of millions of dollars. Three years ago, a similar large-scale marriage fraud agency operated by a Philippine national was prosecuted in Massachusetts.

Investigators also allege that some defendants provided false information on applications for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, claiming they had never been married. Gonzalez is also accused of receiving $120,000 in SNAP benefits. The defendants are also accused of engaging in housing and unemployment fraud. No immigrants who entered into the marriages have been charged.

"Marriage fraud undermines the processes that ensure honest, lawful individuals can marry United States citizens and enjoy everything the United States has to offer to them," said John Soares, assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. "Fraudsters, like the individuals arrested today, make that process more difficult."