Federal prosecutors charged six residents on October 21, 2026, alleging they operated a decade-long marriage fraud ring to secure immigration benefits for undocumented immigrants. Prosecutors say the operation generated more than $6 million.
The alleged business arranged about 18 to 20 marriages each year, charging between $38,000 and $40,000 for each sham marriage. Prosecutors say the marriages supported applications for legal status.
The defendants face charges including conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, harboring illegal aliens, conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and marriage fraud. These are allegations, not findings of guilt.
Five defendants were arrested that morning. Jaylin Hill is serving a state prison sentence for a firearms offense.
Initial appearances in Boston federal court were scheduled for that afternoon: Hill at 12:45 p.m.; Erica Daniels and Amara Pugh at 2 p.m.; Chreise Alejandro and Jessica Tavares at 2:45 p.m.; and Jennifer Gonzalez at 3:15 p.m. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said a cooperating witness recorded Gonzalez after bringing the alleged scheme to federal authorities.
None of the immigrants who entered the marriages have been charged.
| Defendant | Age | Hometown | Alleged role or status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Gonzalez | 43 | Fall River | Alleged organizer |
| Erica Daniels | 29 | Fall River | Allegedly paid to marry clients |
| Chreise Alejandro | 39 | Fall River | Allegedly paid to marry clients |
| Amara Pugh | 31 | Fall River | Alleged secretary for the business |
| Jessica Tavares | 31 | Attleboro | Allegedly paid to marry clients |
| Jaylin Hill | 26 | Fall River | Allegedly paid to marry clients; serving a state sentence |
Court documents describe staged evidence and repeat marriages
Court documents say Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen, ran the business and arranged marriages between immigrant clients and U.S. citizens. Daniels, Alejandro, Tavares and Hill, also U.S. citizens, allegedly received payments to marry clients. Pugh, a U.S. citizen, allegedly served as the business’s secretary.
Gonzalez allegedly coached clients on how to make the relationships look legitimate. The instructions included opening joint bank accounts, obtaining life insurance policies and taking selfie-style photographs together. Clients were told that preparing documents for an immigration application would take three to four months.
Customers signed contracts for the service, prosecutors allege. Some made ongoing $500 monthly payments to the assigned spouse or someone close to that spouse.
Foley described the alleged pattern at a press conference at the Moakley courthouse in Boston:
“They would get married, they would stay married for a couple of years, three years, they would get divorced, a month later they would remarry another illegal alien.”
Investigators allegedly recorded Gonzalez directing the printing and signing of a contract presented as a loan and accepting a $3,000 cash down payment. A contract reproduced in court documents is dated June 28, 2024, and sets out payment terms. It reads: “I Jennifer González, on June 28, 2024, enter into a contract with sum of 26000 for a period of 2 and half years with a deposit of $600, and 10000 de day of. with 500 monthly statements until the full amount is paid.”
Gonzalez allegedly told the customer the document left out the spouse because naming that person would be “incriminating.” Prosecutors say she designed the paperwork to conceal the purpose of the arrangement.
Recordings captured talk of overseas investments and a pause
A cooperating witness recorded Gonzalez discussing property investments in the Dominican Republic, which she called “my country.” Court documents allege she used proceeds to buy businesses and real estate there.
“Every time I have a spare dollar I just invest in new property in my country,” Gonzalez allegedly said. “Like, I have a lot of land in my country.”
In another recorded conversation, Gonzalez allegedly said she “stopped doing weddings at the end of 2024 because that's when Trump was becoming president,” and described immigration in 2025 as “a little harsh.” She also allegedly told a person she believed was an undocumented immigrant, “Massachusetts is the best place for you to be.”
Prosecutors also allege false benefit applications
Foley said Gonzalez applied for and received approximately $124,500 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from the state between 2019 and 2026. Prosecutors also allege some defendants falsely said on SNAP applications that they had never been married.
The benefit allegations name Gonzalez, Alejandro, Daniels and Tavares. Prosecutors additionally accused defendants of housing and unemployment fraud.
Foley said Gonzalez has prior convictions for assault and battery, identity fraud and fraud, illegal entry, possession of burglars’ tools and knowingly receiving stolen property. She also said Gonzalez allegedly entered a fraudulent marriage herself to obtain status for another person.
Foley said other defendants had criminal histories involving assault, weapons and drug charges, as well as affiliations with street gangs. Those remarks concern alleged background, not proof of the charges in this case.
Officials say the investigation remains open
Foley said a cooperating witness’s tip brought the alleged operation to investigators’ attention. She called it “a very sophisticated operation” and said it could have continued longer without someone coming forward. An attorney for Gonzalez could not be reached for comment.
At the press conference, Foley said the alleged conduct offended people who follow the law. She also said: “The American dream is not for sale. It is earned.”
John Soares, assistant special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, said the alleged scheme makes it harder for people to marry U.S. citizens lawfully and use immigration processes honestly.
Shawn Saucier, northeast regional chief of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said: “Marriage is not a loophole, it is not a shortcut, and it is not a tool for gaming U.S. immigration laws. Marriage fraud is not victimless.”
Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing. This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.
