A man from India, Aakash Prakash Makwana, 29, residing unlawfully in Ronceverte, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. This admission comes as part of a broader scheme where Makwana sought to marry a U.S. citizen to bypass immigration laws.
Court records reveal that Makwana entered the United States on November 23, 2019, under a J-1 non-immigrant visa for hospitality work. Despite knowing the visa's expiration on November 24, 2020, he remained in the country without legal status.
In August 2021, Makwana conspired to pay $10,000 to marry a U.S. citizen and apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status. Residing in White Sulphur Springs and working at a convenience store without authorization, he married on September 3, 2021. He then falsified documents such as a residential lease and utility bills to support the marriage's legitimacy. The aggravated identity theft charge stems from his unauthorized use of a property manager's name and signature on these falsified documents.
When this scheme failed, Makwana filed a Form I-360 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), falsely claiming domestic abuse by his spouse to prolong his stay in the United States and enhance his Green Card prospects.
Makwana faces sentencing on September 26, 2025. He could receive two years in prison followed by supervised release and is liable for a $250,000 fine. Deportation proceedings are also likely.
Kalee Ann Huff, the U.S. citizen involved in this scheme who now resides in Fairbury, Illinois, pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and perjury earlier this year and awaits sentencing on June 12. Her brother-in-law Joseph Sanchez admitted guilt in January for his role in the conspiracy; his sentencing is set for May 30.
"This case reflects another unacceptable attempt to undermine our nation’s immigration laws," said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alongside USCIS under United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn's oversight with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage.
For more details about this case or related information visit PACER using Case No. 5:24-cr-190 or refer to the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.