Sheldon Stephenson, Immigration Marriage Fraud, Connecticut 2023
Grimy Times has learned that a Florida man has admitted to participating in a massive immigration marriage fraud scheme that saw 28 sham marriages arranged between U.S. citizens and non-citizens.
Sheldon Stephenson, 28, of North Lauderdale, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud in a Connecticut court. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
The scheme, which was operated by Jodian Stephenson's company, Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, saw non-citizens pay between $17,000 and $20,000 to enter into sham marriages with U.S. citizens, who in turn received between $2,000 and $4,000 for their participation.
Sheldon Stephenson admitted to assisting Jodian Stephenson in arranging four such sham marriages. He helped to introduce the couples, helped them obtain marriage licenses, prepared their immigration paperwork, and coached them for their immigration service interviews.
The investigation into the scheme is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
Sheldon Stephenson is currently released on a $50,000 bond while awaiting sentencing, which is not scheduled. Jodian Stephenson, the mastermind behind the scheme, pleaded guilty to the same offense on August 19, 2019, and is also awaiting sentencing. Six other individuals have been convicted for participating in this scheme.
In a statement, the court said that the proceeding occurred via videoconference pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Sheldon Stephenson's guilty plea marks a significant victory in the fight against immigration marriage fraud, which is a serious offense that can have serious consequences for national security and public safety.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →