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Woman guilty of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud
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Posted on May 23 2008
The jury found yesterday a woman guilty of conspiring with other persons to commit marriage fraud, but acquitted her of soliciting for marriage fraud.
After deliberating for a day, the six jurors reached a verdict finding Maria Aurelio Ray guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.
The jurors, however, found her not guilty of two counts of solicitation.
Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman set the sentencing on July 31, 2008 at 9am.
In an interview with Saipan Tribune after the hearing, Ray’s counsel, Joseph Horey, said they are glad that the jury has found the defendant not guilty of the solicitation counts.
“It’s a mixed verdict so we have mixed emotions about it,” Horey said. “We are hoping she be found not guilty of everything. We will be looking at whatever further steps we may need to take in terms of any post-trial motions.”
Assistant attorney general Melissa Simms said they are very pleased that the jury found Ray guilty of conspiracy.
“Other than that, I can’t comment as we have three other defendants that are going to be tried in the future,” Simms said.
Ray, MD. Saiful Islam, and Minto Minto were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and one count of solicitation.
In addition, Ray, Minto, and Munnaf Miah were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and one count of solicitation.
The jury trial for Islam was set for July 21, while the trial for Miah was set for July 28. Minto’s trial was scheduled for Aug. 11.
According to the charging information, on March 2007 Ray, Islam, and Minto unlawfully agreed that Islam would marry Alisilynn Mallens for the sole purpose of obtaining a labor or immigration benefit.
In March 2007, Ray, Miah, and Minto allegedly conspired that Miah would marry Severene Kosam for the purpose of obtaining a labor or immigration benefit.
In March 2007, Ray, Islam and Minto allegedly encouraged Kosam and Mallens to arrange the marriage of Islam and Mallens.
On the same period, Ray, Miah, and Minto allegedly encouraged Kosam to marry Miah.
