Prosecutors Charge Six in Massachusetts Marriage Fraud Scheme

Six people were charged by federal prosecutors in Massachusetts on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, over an alleged marriage fraud operation that authorities say arranged hundreds of sham marriages to help immigrants obtain green cards and other immigration benefits unlawfully. Investigators identified Jennifer Gonzalez, 43, of Fall River, as the alleged organizer of the operation, which generated more than $6 million over approximately 12 years.

US Attorney Leah Foley announced the charges at a news conference in Boston. According to prosecutors, Gonzalez charged between $38,000 and $40,000 for each fraudulent marriage and arranged approximately 18 to 20 marriages annually. The investigation also raised allegations involving public assistance benefits and investments in the Dominican Republic.

The defendants face charges including conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, harboring illegal aliens, conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, and marriage fraud. Authorities said the investigation remains active and could lead to additional charges against people suspected of obtaining immigration status through the operation.

According to prosecutors, Gonzalez recruited Erica Daniels, 29; Chreise Alejandro, 39; Jessica Tavares, 31; and Jaylin Hill, 26, to marry clients seeking immigration benefits. Amara Pugh, 31, was allegedly responsible for secretarial duties. The defendants are from Fall River, except Tavares, who is from Attleboro.

Investigators allege that participants documented the staged relationships with photographs of wedding ceremonies and social outings to support fraudulent immigration applications. In some cases, the marriages allegedly lasted for years before ending in divorce, after which participants could marry other clients.

Federal authorities said Gonzalez also entered into a sham marriage herself. Prosecutors further allege that she received more than $124,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits between 2019 and 2026 without declaring income from the marriage operation or accurately listing household members.

Foley said investigators obtained audio and video recordings of Gonzalez discussing the alleged operation with a cooperating witness she believed was an undocumented immigrant. According to the complaint, Gonzalez described Massachusetts as a welcoming destination for immigrants and discussed the financial returns from arranging marriages.

In one recorded conversation, Gonzalez allegedly said, "I believe that you can, okay, because this state is a sanctuary, like Trump doesn't like this state because the government from here, the state defends us very much."

In another recording, Gonzalez allegedly described the state as a favorable place for immigrants, saying, "Massachusetts is the best place for you to be. That is a fact."

She also allegedly told the cooperating witness, "You get health insurance. Um, you get a lot of help as an immigrant here."

According to the criminal complaint, Gonzalez described her objective as helping clients pursue a better future, telling the witness that her goal was "for you to get the American dream". Prosecutors allege that she used proceeds from the operation to invest in businesses and property in the Dominican Republic, which she reportedly described as her country.

Foley said the alleged operation exploited the immigration system at the expense of people who follow legal procedures. She emphasized the contrast between applicants who comply with immigration requirements and those who allegedly paid to bypass them.

"To see a for-profit business whose sole purpose [is to] cheat and skip the line by simply paying for it must be so offensive and disheartening to those who follow our country's laws," Foley said.

The US attorney also alleged that Gonzalez operated the scheme for years and benefited financially while receiving public assistance. Prosecutors said the investigation included evidence of investments made with proceeds from the alleged fraud.

"She bragged that she invested her ill-gotten proceeds in businesses and property in the Dominican Republic, which she repeatedly referred to as 'my country,'" Foley said.

Foley also said Gonzalez accumulated wealth through the alleged operation while directing money toward property overseas. She characterized the alleged conduct as an attempt to profit from people seeking permanent residence in the United States.

"Miss Gonzalez got rich off selling the American dream, all the while investing her money in another country," Foley said.

Prosecutors said Gonzalez stopped arranging fraudulent marriages at the end of 2024 as President Donald Trump prepared to return to office, then shut down the operation entirely in 2025 as immigration enforcement intensified. The criminal complaint alleges that she believed enforcement had become more difficult under the incoming administration.

The case follows another major federal investigation announced in New York in August, when prosecutors charged 11 people over an alleged scheme involving approximately 1,000 sham marriages. Federal officials have continued pursuing cases involving alleged marriage fraud and unlawful attempts to obtain immigration benefits.

Gonzalez and the other defendants were arrested on Wednesday, according to federal authorities. Hill was already serving time in state prison for a firearm offense, while prosecutors said the remaining defendants were expected to appear in court later that day. Gonzalez's attorney had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Foley said the Massachusetts investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining hundreds of suspected fraudulent marriages potentially connected to the operation. Investigators may bring further charges against individuals found to have obtained legal immigration status through the alleged scheme.