A key administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in California confessed her involvement in arranging fraudulent marriages to defraud the United States government.
Marissa Duenas, the KOJC human resources manager in charge of operations in Van Nuys, entered into a plea deal with the US Attorney’s Office in exchange for a reduced sentence, a GMA Integrated News report said on Thursday.
According to a 16-page agreement she signed with lawyer John Littrell on October 7, Duenas admitted to conspiring with others to arrange “sham marriages” between KOJC members and U.S. citizens to secure immigration status.
The document outlined how the fake unions between Filipino and American couples were reportedly intended to maintain residency for KOJC members. Assistant US Attorney Gregory Stapes signed the agreement on October 8.
Duenas is a co-accused of Maria De Leon, who allegedly processed fraudulent documents for KOJC members. De Leon already reached a plea deal with the US government and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27 next year. Duenas’ plea hearing is yet to be scheduled.
KOJC founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy remains on the FBI’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in labor trafficking and visa fraud.
Quiboloy is accused of forcing church members to solicit donations for a fake charity, with the funds reportedly used to support lavish lifestyles for church leaders. He has consistently denied these allegations.
Philippine law enforcement authorities arrested the megachurch leader on September 8 inside the KOJC compound in Davao City after an intense two-week search operation.
Quiboloy faces multiple charges in the Philippines, including violations to laws on human trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation, among other crimes. He has denied these charges.
The KOJC leader is currently detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, but may be transferred to a Payatas jail, according to reports.
The Manila Standard reached out to KOJC for comment regarding this development. The organization said they have not received the official document on the reported plea agreement, so they have no statement yet.
