Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Concealing a Material Fact in Connection with a Naturalization Matter

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of concealing a material fact in connection with a naturalization matter, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Man Ho, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Man Ho, a citizen of Vietnam, married a U.S. citizen in July 2011 for the sole purpose of gaining permanent residency in the United States and that in matters before immigration authorities she failed to advise that the marriage was a sham marriage.

The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 6 months in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne Saadi and DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Man Ho.