URGENT UPDATE: Two U.S. Navy service members, Morgan Chambers and Jacinth Bailey, are facing serious federal fraud charges after allegedly participating in a scheme that involved entering into sham marriages with Chinese immigrants. The fraud, which prosecutors say spanned multiple states, has raised significant concerns about national security and the integrity of military personnel.
According to federal prosecutors in Florida, Chambers and Bailey accepted substantial payments—totaling nearly $80,000—in exchange for marrying Chinese nationals to assist them in gaining green cards. The scheme reportedly began in September 2024 and involved other unnamed accomplices referred to as “conspirators.” This urgent case was outlined in charging documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Prosecutors allege that Chambers was offered $35,000 for her involvement, which included $10,000 upfront, $20,000 upon the issuance of a green card, and $5,000 once the couple divorced. Bailey, on the other hand, was offered $45,000 to enter a similar fraudulent marriage. Both service members have not yet appeared before a judge or entered a plea regarding the charges, which could lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Details from the court documents reveal a shocking timeline. On October 4, 2024, Chambers traveled to Las Vegas, where she reportedly met her “husband” for the first time, wed him, and accepted $10,000 in cash in a restaurant bathroom. Meanwhile, Bailey was recruited to fly to New York City on January 1, 2025, where she married her groom the following day in a Connecticut courthouse.
To lend authenticity to their marriages, the newlyweds would take photos together for submission with immigration applications, according to prosecutors. These troubling revelations echo a previous case involving two Navy-connected men charged with similar fraudulent activities, including Raymond Zumba and Brinio Urena, who were implicated in a scheme that closely resembles the current allegations against Chambers and Bailey.
The ongoing investigations into this fraudulent marriage scheme highlight potential vulnerabilities within military ranks and the serious consequences of such actions. As the legal proceedings advance, Chambers and Bailey have waived their right to a formal indictment, a move often used to expedite the legal process.
As the story develops, the implications of these charges may extend beyond the individuals involved, raising questions about immigration policies and military oversight. Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story and what actions will be taken against the accused service members.
