A Mexican actress-model and a Los Angeles man whom she wed in June 2005 are expected to plead not guilty today to federal marriage fraud charges.

Maria Fernanda Romero Martinez, 28, of Westwood - who uses the stage name Fernanda Romero - and Kent Ross, also 28, of Park La Brea, were arrested April 16 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Both are free on bond. Romero has had roles in several small films, including last year's "Drag Me to Hell." She's better-known in Mexico, where she appeared in the TV Azteca soap "Eternamente Tuya."

The pair were charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles, according to Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Authorities allege the suspects entered into a sham marriage so the actress could obtain legal residency status in the United States.

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Romero paid Ross to marry her on June 12, 2005, but they never lived together as a couple.

About one month after the marriage, Romero began dating fashion photographer Markus Klinko, and they lived together for several months, according to court papers. After they broke up, Klinko presented ICE with evidence that Romero was in a sham marriage, the prosecution alleges.

Shortly after Romero and Ross were married, Romero filed an application for adjustment of status, otherwise known as an application for a green card,
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claiming that she had entered into a lawful marriage with Ross, Mrozek said.

In support of that application, Romero and Ross filed several documents allegedly containing false statements, such as claims that they lived at the same address, which was never the case, according to Mrozek.

Romero also filed documents allegedly containing false statements as to how long she had resided in the United States.

"This actor should have realized that posing as a bride for immigration purposes could land her a role in a real-life crime drama," said Miguel Unzueta of ICE.

"Immigration benefit fraud is a serious crime," he said. "Not only does it potentially rob deserving immigrants of benefits they rightfully deserve, it also undermines the integrity of our nation's legal immigration system."

The charge of marriage fraud carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, Mrozek said.

Both defendants have been released on bond.

http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_15054542

I am totally convinced there are no honest Mexicans.