Two Las Vegas residents have been exposed in a sham marriage scheme that helped non-citizen immigrants obtain U.S. citizenship. Jennifer Hamoy, 58, and Antonio Ybanez, 76, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Las Vegas.
According to the indictment and individual plea agreements, Hamoy and Ybanez conspired to assist others to enter into marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws from December 10, 2013 to July 10, 2015. The couple instructed couples on how to make the marriage appear genuine by opening joint bank accounts, filing joint tax returns, obtaining driver’s licenses with the same address, and taking photos together.
Ybanez, who is not an attorney, introduced Hamoy as his paralegal who assisted him in filing fraudulent immigration paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which she did for a fee. They filed a visa petition and application that contained false and misleading statements to the USCIS for adjustment of citizenship status.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Jaroch is prosecuting the case. Hamoy and Ybanez face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for their crimes.
A sentencing hearing for Hamoy is scheduled on August 30, while Ybanez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled on August 8, 2018.
If you suspect someone is committing marriage fraud, contact the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or visit www.ice.gov/tips. For more information on marriage fraud, visit https://www.ice.gov/identity-benefit-fraud.
Hamoy and Ybanez’s guilty pleas bring an end to a scheme that exploited U.S. immigration laws for personal gain. Their actions have consequences, and they will face the music for their crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- $1M Medicaid Scam: Las Vegas Woman Handed 10-Month Prison Term · Nevada
- Las Vegas Duo Accused of Arson for Insurance Fraud that Led to Death · Nevada
- Las Vegas Dry Cleaner Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Obstruction · Nevada
- Las Vegas Swindler Sean Sladek Pleads Guilty to $1.4M Fraud Scheme · Nevada
- Las Vegas Doctor Steven A. Holper Charged in Fentanyl Scheme · Nevada
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
