Posted on 04/17/2008 9:08:22 AM PDT by OBXWanderer
NORFOLK
Federal authorities have combed through eight states since early Wednesday morning, arresting suspects in a sweeping investigation into fraudulent marriages between Navy sailors and illegal immigrants.
Three indictments unsealed Wednesday afternoon charge 33 people - current and former sailors and their brides. Thirteen defendants appeared in U.S. District Court as federal agents searched seven other states for the remaining suspects.
"Each of you is charged with a serious offense," U.S. Magistrate James E. Bradberry told five of the women standing before him.
"This is not something you can afford to take lightly, because your freedom will be at stake," he said.
Federal authorities have been targeting bogus marriages and Navy housing fraud for at least two years, having already arrested at least 40 other individuals here and in New York.
This is the largest one-time sweep, and Navy officials said they hope this puts an end to the practice. More than 73 people have been arrested so far, with dozens convicted, jailed or deported.
"There are specific approved procedures to obtain citizenship in our country. Cheating is not one of them," U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said in a statement scheduled to be released this morning and obtained by The Virginian-Pilot on Wednesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at hamptonroads.com ...
I retired from a NAB Little Creek ship in the summer of 2006. Just before I left everyone getting housing allowance had to bring in their lease/mortgage papers for verification or lose the allowance. I was under the impression it was an Atlantic Fleet initiative.
What a scam to get terrorists and other lowlifes into this country legally.
"A citizen can hardly distinguish between a tax and a fine, except that the fine is generally much lighter."
- G.K. Chesterton
Man, that is a creepy picture.
“...at the slave wages the business wish to pay. Please get it correct...”
they pay prevailing wages.
It used to be US college kids would flock to the beaches for these summer jobs, but times have changed and few do.
when my kids, neices and nephews were in college they did and made good money - great tips and even better, developed good skills in dealing with all kinds of people which has stood them well over the years.
Ping!
You don’t find “Navy housing fraud” and illegal immigration used together too very often. Looks like someone in authority is starting to get a little torqued...
Hey Gator! I was in San Diego during that time and we all had to verify our BAH as well. It was a Big Navy push after reports of numerous cases of BAH fraud coming to light. Most of them though were sham mil-to-mil arrangements.
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