In a shocking case of immigration deception, a Ukrainian national has pleaded guilty to a marriage fraud conspiracy aimed at enabling her to remain in the United States and seek citizenship.
Darya Chernova, 40, a citizen of Ukraine who currently resides in Chandler, Ariz., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to her role in the marriage fraud conspiracy.
According to the investigation, Chernova, who entered the United States on a student visa, had a long-running affair with James Douglas Barding, 62, an attorney and a married U.S. citizen from Jefferson City, Mo.
Chernova falsely named another person, who was her legal husband, as the father of her child on a birth certificate in 2009. In reality, Barding was the biological father. DNA testing confirmed that Chernova’s legal husband was not the father, and Barding was eventually awarded legal custody of the child.
Chernova and her legal husband never lived together. The only purpose for Chernova’s marriage to a U.S. citizen was so that she could evade immigration laws and remain in the United States with Barding.
By pleading guilty today, Chernova admitted to falsely testifying under oath that her legal husband was the father of the baby, even though she knew that the father was Barding. She also testified upon Barding’s advice that her legal residence was with her husband.
Chernova and Barding are each subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Gonzalez, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
This case highlights the severe consequences of immigration deception and the importance of upholding the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
Mandatory Facts:
* Defendant: Darya Chernova
* Exact Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States
* City and State: Jefferson City, MO
* Exact Date: August 5, 2015 (plea date)
* Sentence or Outcome: Up to 5 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000
* Dollar Amounts: $250,000 (fine)
Related Federal Cases
- Delmar Dixon, Marriage Fraud Conspiracy, Missouri 2016 · Kansas
- Russell Hopkins, Securities Fraud Conspiracy, Missouri 2023 · Kansas
- John Dean Townsend, Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Access Device Fraud, Missouri 2023 · Idaho
- John Dean Townsend, Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Access Device Fraud, Missouri 2023 · Kansas
- Camille Childress, Healthcare Fraud, Missouri 2021 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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