Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old Indian citizen unlawfully residing in Ronceverte, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. This admission is part of a scheme involving marriage to a U.S. citizen aimed at circumventing immigration laws.
Court documents reveal that Makwana arrived in the United States on November 23, 2019, under a J-1 non-immigrant visa for work in hotel hospitality and culinary services. Despite knowing his visa expired on November 24, 2020, he remained in the country illegally.
In August 2021, Makwana conspired with others to marry a U.S. citizen for $10,000 to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status or a Green Card. Residing in White Sulphur Springs and working without authorization, he married the U.S. citizen on September 3, 2021. He falsified documents to make it appear they lived together by adding her name to utility bills and bank accounts and forging a residential lease agreement.
When the marriage fraud scheme failed, Makwana filed Form I-360 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), falsely claiming domestic violence and emotional abuse by his spouse to extend his stay in the United States.
Makwana faces sentencing on September 26, 2025. He could receive two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, he may be removed from the United States.
Kalee Ann Huff, the U.S. citizen involved in the scheme with Makwana, pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and perjury on February 20, 2025. She will be sentenced on June 12, 2025. Her brother-in-law Joseph Sanchez also pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025; his sentencing is set for May 30, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated: “This case reflects another unacceptable attempt to undermine our nation’s immigration laws." The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and USCIS.
The hearing was presided over by United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn with Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuting.
Further details can be accessed through PACER using Case No. 5:24-cr-190 or via the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
