9 Deny Guilt in Alleged Fake-Marriage Scam
Nine people suspected of participating in a phony-marriage scheme pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges, officials said.
Hoa Hoc Phung, Alex Pham, Tuong Vi Phan, Thuy Linh Tran, Julie Tran, Kathy Tran, Victor Truong and Lien Tam Vo were indicted on charges that included conspiracy, fraud and aiding and abetting. Paul Hill also faces a charge of alien smuggling.
They were among 44 defendants arrested on suspicion of participating in a scheme to illegally marry Chinese and Vietnamese nationals to American citizens in order to obtain green cards. Trial has been scheduled for Jan. 24.
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