 |
 |
U.S. Department of Justice Stephen J. Murphy Suite 2001 |
|
For Immediate Release: June 6, 2007 |
EVENT: Indictment
Defendant: Ali Fouad Ayache
DEARBORN MAN ARRESTED ON MARRIAGE FRAUD CHARGES
United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today that Ali Fouad Ayache, 25, of Dearborn, Michigan was arrested on an Indictment charging him with Marriage Fraud, Making False Statements and Witness Tampering. Ayache made his initial appearance on the Indictment in federal court in Detroit and was ordered held without bond until June 11, 2007, when a combined detention hearing and arraignment will be held.
United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Brian Moskowitz of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States Attorney Murphy said, "It is important to keep in mind that United States citizenship, green cards or other immigration benefits should never be granted or premised upon false or fraudulent representations. We take such violations quite seriously, and will take action when individuals gain citizenship through mendacity or prevarication."
Special Agent Arena said, "This investigation is an example of the cooperative effort of the FBI and ICE working to address those criminal activities which impact our community."
Special Agent Moskowitz said, AICE will take every step necessary to deny those who use lies and deceit from enjoying the privileges of living in the United States.
The Indictment alleges that Ayache, a Lebanese national, committed marriage fraud when he entered into a bogus marriage with a United States citizen in 1992 for purposes of evading U.S. immigration laws, lied about it to federal agents on May 1, 2007, and attempted to persuade a witness to lie to federal officials about the marriage fraud
Ayache faces a maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count of the Marriage Fraud and False Statement charges, and a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the Witness Tampering charge.
An Indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In announcing the Indictment, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy commended the work of the Special Agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who conducted the investigation. The prosecution of Ali Ayache is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth R. Chadwell.