Reporter: Associated Press

Thursday, August 23, 2012

A Jamaican immigrant has been found guilty of conspiring with a Kansas soldier to enter into a sham marriage.

Jurors in U.S. District Court deliberated less than two hours Thursday before convicting 28-year-old Shannakay Hunter of marriage fraud, conspiracy and lying to the government. Hunter, who now lives in New York City, faces up to five years in prison on each count.

Hunter was married in 2010 to Joshua Priest, who was then an Army private stationed at Fort Riley. Prosecutors argued the marriage was fraudulent and intended only to gain legal immigration status for Hunter and extra military benefits for Priest.

Priest testified against Hunter during the three-day trial in Wichita. He pleaded guilty earlier to conspiracy and wire fraud and faces sentencing in October.

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