BECKLEY, W.Va. — A 29-year-old Indian citizen living unlawfully in Ronceverte, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft as part of a marriage fraud scheme to evade U.S. immigration laws, federal prosecutors announced.
Aakash Prakash Makwana admitted to entering into a sham marriage with a U.S. citizen in exchange for $10,000 in an attempt to secure lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. The case was investigated with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Details of the Fraud Scheme
According to court documents, Makwana arrived in the U.S. on a J-1 nonimmigrant visa on November 23, 2019, which expired a year later. Despite lacking legal authorization to remain in the country, he continued residing in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and working without proper documentation.
In August 2021, Makwana conspired with others to marry Kalee Ann Huff, a U.S. citizen, to fraudulently adjust his immigration status. The couple wed on September 3, 2021, after which Makwana fabricated evidence to support the legitimacy of the marriage, including:
Falsifying a residential lease agreement to falsely claim they lived together.
Adding Huff’s name to his utility bills and bank accounts to create a paper trail.
Committing aggravated identity theft by forging the signature of a property manager on the fraudulent lease.
When the marriage fraud scheme failed, Makwana filed a Form I-360 petition with USCIS, falsely alleging that he had suffered domestic violence and emotional abuse at Huff’s hands—an attempt to prolong his stay in the U.S. and improve his chances of obtaining a Green Card.
Sentencing and Additional Convictions
Makwana is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2025, and faces imprisonment, fines, and potential deportation.
His co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty:
Kalee Ann Huff, 28, of Fairbury, Illinois, admitted to marriage fraud and perjury on February 20, 2025, with sentencing set for June 12, 2025.
Joseph Sanchez, 33, Huff’s brother-in-law, pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025, to participating in the conspiracy. His sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston praised the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and USCIS.
USCIS emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the immigration system and encourages reporting suspected fraud through its USCIS Tip Form.
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