Two Chicago-area residents have been indicted for allegedly trying to secure U.S. citizenship for foreign nationals through sham marriages to Americans, some of which occurred in Las Vegas.
The U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago alleges that clients paid up to $15,000 for marriages to Americans recruited by Terestia Zarrabian of Des Plaines and Michael Smith of Bellwood. Zarrabian is an immigration consultant.
The 60-year-old Zarrabian and 41-year-old Smith were charged after an undercover agent posed as a U.S. citizen willing to enter a phony marriage. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The pseudo couples were allegedly advised how to answer immigration officials' questions to convince them the marriages were legitimate.
A message left for Zarrabian's attorney wasn't immediately returned Monday. There was no answer at a phone number for Smith's attorney.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:20 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:20:58 GMT
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:59 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:59:20 GMT
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said. The shooting happened about 9 p.m. in the 8600 block of South Ashland Avenue, according to
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:44:24 GMT
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:51:42 GMT
Police are warning businesses in the River North area of a spate of burglaries, mainly at night, over the past couple weeks, including one night this week when businesses were targeted.
Police are warning businesses in the River North area of a spate of burglaries, mainly at night, over the past couple weeks, including one night this week when businesses were targeted.
