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BOSTON \u2014 Federal authorities announced Wednesday that they have broken up an alleged marriage fraud ring that arranged hundreds of sham marriages in Massachusetts designed to obtain unlawful immigration benefits.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley was joined by Homeland Security and immigration officials at a news conference at the Moakley Courthouse on Wednesday morning to detail charges against six people, five of whom they said are in federal custody.
Foley said the marriage fraud ring generated over $6 million in profit and spanned more than a decade. She alleged that the ringleader was Fall River resident Jennifer Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen who she said arranged 18 to 20 marriages a year, charging $38,000 to $40,000.
Gonzalez used the money to invest in businesses and property in the Dominican Republic, authorities said.
\u201cEvery time I have a spare dollar I just invest in new property in my country,\u201d she is alleged to have said. \u201cLike, I have a lot of land in my country.\u201d
Gonzalez is also accused of securing payments for her alleged conspirators, who were paid to engage in one or more fake marriages so people could obtain U.S. citizenship and submit fraudulent documents, authorities said.
According to court documents, the others charged were Erica Daniels, Cherice Alejandro, Amara Pugh, Jessica Tavares and Jaylin Hill, all of Fall River.
Foley said Gonzalez ran \u201ca very sophisticated operation\u201d that could have gone on for much longer if someone hadn\u2019t come forward to tip off federal authorities.
She said court filings show that Gonzalez was caught on video explaining the process of participating in the sham marriages, which included taking the couples\u2019 photos to make the relationships seem real. In those recordings, authorities said, she also explained how her business became more challenging when Donald Trump became president in 2024 and said she suspended her business in 2025 because immigration \u201cwas a little harsh.\u201d
Gonzalez has a criminal history, Foley said, including convictions for assault and battery, identity fraud and fraud, illegal entry, possession of burglar\u2019s tools and knowingly receiving stolen property. She is also alleged to have entered a fraudulent marriage herself to get the other person illegal benefits.
The others accused of being involved also have criminal histories, including assault, weapons and drug charges and affiliations with known street gangs, authorities said.
Foley said Gonzalez also applied for and received about $124,500 in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits from Massachusetts from 2019 to 2026.
\u201cIt is alleged Ms. Gonzalez got rich by selling the American dream, all the while by sending money to another country,\u201d Foley said. \u201cThe American dream is not for sale. It is earned. And when you try to pilfer it for profit, we will hold you accountable.\u201d
Federal authorities said the investigation continues.
Marc Fortier is a reporter for\u00a0NBC Boston.
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