Couple sentenced for roles in marriage-fraud scheme

NORFOLK

The daughter of a former Russian general and her American husband each received three years probation on Monday after pleading guilty to their roles in a marriage-fraud scheme involving Navy sailors.

Anna Cantu, 29, and her husband, Jared Cantu, 26, formerly of Virginia Beach, got involved in the widespread marriage-fraud scam while hanging out at Greenie's pub in Ocean View, socializing with service members.

U.S. District Judge Walter D. Kelley Jr. could have given the couple short jail terms but opted for probation, citing the couple's ongoing cooperation with the government. The judge did add on six months of house arrest for Jared Cantu but allowed him to go to work with an electronic monitoring device. He also fined the couple $1,000 each.

"I understand that we have done a wrong thing," Anna Cantu told the judge. "I know it is going to affect our lives for a long time."

The Cantus are unusual among the dozens of couples and co-conspirators arrested in the lengthy investigation: They actually are legitimately married, authorities said.

In pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge, Anna Cantu admitted that she got involved in the scheme to help out an acquaintance from the Ukraine who was seeking an American husband to avoid deportation. Jared Cantu admitted to aiding and abetting.

The Cantus were paid $6,000 to arrange the marriage.

Anna Cantu is a legal permanent resident and will not face deportation. She and her husband, who served in the Army and now works as a mechanic, live in San Jose, Calif.

The marriage-fraud investigation has netted dozens of arrests.

The sailors benefited from the scheme by getting cash from the brides and additional housing allowances from the Navy for being married. Those who have been caught and convicted are being forced to repay the money, and the spouses are being deported.

Tim McGlone, (757) 446-2343, tim.mcglone@pilotonline.com