This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Drama Of Actress Fernanda Romero's Marriage Fraud
Sentencing is expected today in case of 28-year-old Mexican-born actress Fernanda Romero who faces federal marriage-fraud charges that allege she entered into a sham marriage "with an American in 2005 to remain in the United States," reports the Daily News.
Prosecutors claim Romero, full name Maria Fernanda Romero Martinez, and her musician/pizza store manager friend Kent Ross were living in separate homes and dating other people. They are recommending probation for the 'couple' who admitted to making false statements.
The case hinged on whether Romero paid Ross to marry her in 2005 and then lied about the relationship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services so she could obtain permanent resident status. A trial ended in a hung jury last September. Since then, Romero and Ross agreed to what prosecutors call a "package deal" in which both pleaded guilty to separate but similar charges to avoid a retrial.
An ex-boyfriend of the actress, fashion photographer Markus Klinko, reportedly blew the first fraud whistle in an unrelated lawsuit.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
