Kenyan Woman Sentenced for Role in Marriage Fraud Ring in Maine
A Kenyan woman, convicted for her role in a major multi-state marriage fraud ring, was sentenced Tuesday to one year in prison.
30-year-old Margaret Kimani, formerly of Massachusetts, was one of 28 defendants from Maine convicted for their participation in a scam that paid American citizens to marry African immigrants so they could become legal citizens.
A press conference at the U.S. attorney’s office in Bangor marked the end to an investigation that began in 2005.
More than 40 sham marriages were found to have taken place in the Lewiston/Auburn and Newport areas.
“U.S. Citizenship is not for sale and there are consequences for those who commit marriage fraud. If you commit marriage fraud, there isn’t going to be a honeymoon,” said Bruce Foucart, a special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Joanne Sassone, of Boston’s Citizenship and Immigration office, said, “We will work together to deter individuals from taking advantage of the U.S. Government and the laws in place to welcome individuals to this country.”
Investigators say the defendants from Africa were attracted to Maine because they could achieve legal status quicker and more easily than in other states.-wabi.tv
