A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted Shokir Kurbonovich Khalilov from Uzbekistan and Keily Maisonet-Ortiz from San Juan on charges of marriage fraud. The indictment was issued on June 5, 2025, following an investigation by the US Border Patrol's Ramey Sector.
Maisonet-Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López Soler. Khalilov's initial court appearance is set for next week. Both defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and marriage fraud.
Court documents indicate that between February 29, 2024, and April 29, 2025, the defendants allegedly entered into a marriage to evade U.S. immigration laws. They obtained a marriage license and were married on March 13, 2024, in San Juan. In October 2024, Maisonet-Ortiz filed an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for Khalilov with the Department of Homeland Security. On the same day, Khalilov submitted an I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status based on their marriage.
If convicted, both face up to five years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering relevant guidelines and factors.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow and Reggie Johnson, Chief Patrol Agent for the Ramey Sector of the US Border Patrol announced the indictment. Johnson emphasized that this case is significant as it marks the first time their agents have investigated and helped indict individuals for marriage fraud in Puerto Rico.
“This case marks a significant milestone for the Ramey Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol in Puerto Rico," said Reggie Johnson. "For the first time, our agents have investigated and helped bring forward an indictment on marriage fraud —sending a clear message that we remain vigilant against all forms of immigration fraud."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The Ramey Sector covers Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with its border area comprising coastline only and responsible for around 6,000 square miles including territorial waters surrounding these islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement organization tasked with ensuring security through various means including innovation and collaboration while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
