A key administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) confessed to California prosecutors 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, officially received by Assistant US Attorney Gregory Stapes on October 8, outlined how the fake unions between Filipino and American couples were reportedly intended to maintain residency for KOJC members.
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 while Duenas’ plea hearing is yet to be scheduled.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday her panel will resume its investigation on the alleged crimes of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy on October 23; with hopes of securing the cooperation of Marissa Duenas.
In a press conference, the senator welcomed Duenas’ confession, saying her decision to make a plea bargain with US authorities is a significant step towards holding Quiboloy accountable for a number of alleged crimes, including human trafficking, visa fraud, and sexual abuse, among others.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros expressed hope that Duenas will likewise be willing to cooperate with the Philippines’ probe into the religious leader and his organization.
“I hope, like Ms. Duenas, the other co-accused of Quiboloy, would cooperate with the authorities. I hope they listen to their conscience and reveal the entire truth and everything they know (about the crimes),” Hontiveros said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “KOJC officer admits to faking marriages in plea deal with US—report”
