18 charged in marriage scam

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