18 charged in marriage scam

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CHICAGO (AP) - Eighteen people have been indicted in an alleged marriage scam in which Americans were paid to marry Eastern Europeans so the immigrants could get their green cards. A federal indictment unsealed Monday charged nine Americans and nine Eastern Europeans with marriage fraud. Defendants who were U.S. citizens also were charged with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud. According to the indictment, the Americans accepted cash payments of up to $5,000 to enter into the marriages. Those involved attended each other's weddings and posed in photos to make the arrangements look legitimate to immigration authorities, the indictment said. Jeremy Starnes, 31, of Chicago is accused of leading the scheme. He pleaded not guilty Monday in federal court. Starnes allegedly promised U.S. citizens involved in the scam $1,000 the day of the marriage, $1,000 three months later, $2,000 after an interview with immigration officials and $1,000 after the immigrant received permanent status. There were no phone numbers listed under Starnes' name in Chicago. Charles Aron, an attorney for Starnes, did not immediately return a message left at his office Tuesday morning. The defendants could face up to five years in prison if convicted.