News Americas, TAMPA, FL, Fri. July. 24, 2014: A 32-year-old Jamaican woman is facing a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison after being found guilty of marriage fraud.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Nerene Erica Harrison, formerly of St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica came to the United States in 2007 on a temporary work visa.
After her visa expired, Harrison offered Robert Kenneth Scott Cruz, a United States citizen, $6,000 to marry her. They were married Aug. 15, 2011, and subsequently petitioned for Harrison to receive lawful permanent resident status based on the marriage.
But Harrison was indicted on marriage fraud on Nov. 13, 2013, along with Cruz who pleaded guilty on March 27th.
“Every marriage fraud scheme corrupts the integrity and fairness of our nation’s immigration system,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa.
Harrison is set to be sentenced on Oct. 23rd.
Cruz also faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 11th.
