Jamaican woman convicted of marriage fraud

TAMPA, Fla. — A Jamaican national was found guilty Wednesday of marriage fraud by a federal jury. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Nerene Erica Harrison, 32, of St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 23. Harrison was indicted Nov. 13, 2013, along with Robert Kenneth Scott Cruz.

"Every marriage fraud scheme corrupts the integrity and fairness of our nation's immigration system," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Harrison came to the United States in 2007 on a temporary work visa. After her visa expired, Harrison offered Cruz, a United States citizen, $6,000 to marry her. They were married Aug. 15, 2011, and subsequently petitioned for Harrison to receive lawful permanent resident status based on the marriage.

Cruz pleaded guilty March 27. He also faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 11.