UPDATE: Two U.S. Navy service members, Morgan Chambers and Jacinth Bailey, have been charged with federal fraud following revelations of their involvement in a scheme to enter into sham marriages with Chinese immigrants. The charges were announced by federal prosecutors in Florida, highlighting a disturbing trend of military personnel participating in fraudulent activities.
This urgent case has significant implications for national security, as it involves service members allegedly accepting large sums of money to facilitate green card acquisitions for foreign nationals. Chambers reportedly received $35,000 for her role, while Bailey was promised $45,000. Both women are accused of conspiring to commit marriage fraud, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
According to court documents filed on December 23, 2024, the plot dates back to September 2024 and includes several unnamed conspirators. The documents reveal that Chambers traveled to Las Vegas on October 4, 2024, where she married her assigned “husband” and received $10,000 in cash in a restaurant bathroom. Bailey, on the other hand, flew to New York City on January 1, 2025, and married her groom the following day in a Connecticut courthouse.
Prosecutors allege that to legitimize these marriages, the couples took photos together for immigration applications. The seriousness of this case is underscored by the fact that it mirrors previous fraudulent marriage schemes involving Navy personnel. In February 2024, Navy reservist Raymond Zumba was arrested for allegedly bribing officials to secure military IDs for Chinese immigrants, leading to a guilty plea in July. Similarly, former recruiter Brinio Urena faced charges in August related to a sham marriage scheme and also pleaded guilty.
While neither Chambers nor Bailey has yet appeared in court or entered a plea, they waived their right to be formally indicted, suggesting an effort to expedite the process. Their lawyers have not commented on the case, leaving many questions unanswered about their roles and the extent of their involvement.
This developing story raises serious questions about the integrity of military personnel and the potential risks to national security posed by such fraudulent activities. As Chambers and Bailey face federal charges, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings and any further revelations that may emerge.
As this situation unfolds, it is critical for the public to remain informed about the implications of these actions. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent and developing story, as the legal ramifications could have lasting effects on those involved and on military policies regarding immigration and marriage fraud.
