Jamaican woman convicted for marriage fraud in US

FLORIDA, USA (CMC) — The United States Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency says a Jamaican woman has been found guilty of marriage fraud by a US federal jury.

The ICE reported Thursday that Nerene Erica Harrison, 32, of St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 23.

Harrison was indicted on November 13, 2013, along with Robert Kenneth Scott Cruz.

“Every marriage fraud scheme corrupts the integrity and fairness of our nation’s immigration system,” said Susan L McCormick, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Harrison came to the United States in 2007 on a temporary work visa. After her visa expired, Harrison offered Cruz, a United States citizen, US$6,000 to marry her.

They were married August 15, 2011, and subsequently petitioned for Harrison to receive lawful permanent resident status, based on the marriage.

Cruz who pleaded guilty March 27 also faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been set for November 11.

jamaica observer