David Marzano, Nationwide Exchange Visitor Program Fraud Scheme, Alabama 2023

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - In a shocking turn of events, David Marzano, a resident of Zephyr Cove, Nevada, has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for his role in a nationwide Exchange Visitor Program fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Marzano, along with his co-defendants Laura Blair and Janece Burke, operated a series of staffing agencies and shell companies designed to unlawfully profit from U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Programs.

The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a massive, nationwide fraud scheme, using aliases and shell companies to misrepresent the true nature of their businesses. This scheme allowed over 200 foreign nationals to enter the United States under false pretenses, believing they would be part of the Department of State’s Intern & Training Program.

Maranzo was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $815,570.00. His co-defendants, Laura Blair and Janece Burke, were each sentenced to 5 years of probation, with Blair ordered to pay $815,570.00 and Burke to pay $271,856.67 in restitution.

This case highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of U.S. immigration programs. The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, which established the Exchange Visitor Program, aimed to increase mutual understanding between people in the United States and people from other countries. However, the actions of Marzano and his co-defendants undermine the very purpose of this program.

As the investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate, the U.S. government will not tolerate fraud and exploitation of its programs. We owe it to the victims of these crimes to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: David Marzano
Crime: Nationwide Exchange Visitor Program Fraud Scheme
City and State: Zephyr Cove, Nevada
Date: (no specific date mentioned)
Sentence: 26 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, $815,570.00 in restitution
Dollar Amount: $815,570.00

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdal/pr/three-sentenced-orchestrating-nationwide-exchange-visitor-program-fraud-scheme