Key facts
- Alleged marriage fraud ring arranged hundreds of sham marriages.
- Six individuals charged, five in federal custody.
- Alleged profits exceeded $6 million.
- Sham marriages charged between $38,000 and $40,000 each.
- Alleged ringleader Jennifer Gonzalez invested profits in Dominican Republic property.
- Gonzalez also received $124,500 in SNAP benefits from 2019 to 2026.
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 stated that the ring generated over $6 million in profit and spanned more than a decade. The alleged ringleader, Jennifer Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen, is accused of arranging 18 to 20 marriages a year, charging $38,000 to $40,000 per marriage. Gonzalez allegedly used the money to invest in property in the Dominican Republic. She is also accused of securing payments for her alleged conspirators, who were paid to engage in fake marriages to help individuals obtain U.S. citizenship and submit fraudulent documents. The others charged were Erica Daniels, Cherice Alejandro, Amara Pugh, Jessica Tavares, and Jaylin Hill. Foley noted that Gonzalez allegedly received about $124,500 in SNAP benefits from Massachusetts from 2019 to 2026. She also stated that Gonzalez claimed her business became more challenging when Donald Trump became president in 2024 and suspended operations in 2025 due to harsh immigration policies. Gonzalez has a criminal history, including convictions for assault and battery, identity fraud, and receiving stolen property. The investigation is ongoing.