Jamaican Woman Convicted Of Marriage Fraud

A federal jury in Wichita has convicted a Jamaican woman of marriage fraud.

Shannakay M. Priest, 28, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, one count of marriage fraud and one count of making a false statement to an agent of Homeland Security.

During the trial, federal prosecutors presented evidence that Priest had overstayed her visitor visa when she entered into a sham marriage with co-defendant Joshua Priest.

Priest was a private in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Riley, Kan.

The two made the agreement so he could obtain additional benefits to married soldiers, and she could get a green card, regain legal status in the United States and receive military benefits and health care for herself and her two children.

The marriage was never consummated and the two never lived together.

Joshua Priest pleaded guilty to marriage and wire fraud. He is set for sentencing Oct. 15.

Sentencing for Ms Priest will be set at a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.