A federal indictment alleges two U.S. Navy sailors in Jacksonville accepted thousands of dollars to enter sham marriages with Chinese nationals, reportedly to secure green cards and potential access to Naval facilities. The plot, traced to September 2024, allegedly targeted military personnel and involved other unnamed conspirators. Related guilty pleas in nearby cases have raised broader national-security concerns. Experts say the incidents point to weaknesses in personnel screening, training and base access controls.
Alleged 'Sham Marriage' Scheme Targeted Major Naval Base: Two Navy Sailors Charged
The national flags of the United States and China flutter at the Fairmont Peace Hotel on April 25, 2024, in Shanghai, China.(Getty Images)
A former CIA operative and national-security experts warn that an alleged "sham marriage" scheme in Jacksonville, Florida, may have been a targeted effort to give foreign nationals access to a major U.S. naval installation. Federal prosecutors say two U.S. Navy sailors accepted thousands of dollars from Chinese nationals to enter marriages intended to secure green cards for the spouses.
Case Details
According to court filings, Petty Officer Jacinth Bailey and Morgan Chambers, both stationed in Jacksonville, were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Prosecutors allege the scheme began in September 2024 and involved several unnamed "conspirators."
An aerial view of aircraft carriers of the United States Navy, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower together in the eastern Mediterranean on Nov. 3, 2023.
Authorities say Bailey, who served as an aviation boatswain’s mate aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, was offered a total of $45,000 — including $10,000 paid up front — to enter a sham marriage, help the Chinese spouse obtain a green card, and then divorce. Chambers was allegedly offered $35,000 for a similar arrangement. Prosecutors also allege Bailey attended a post-wedding party where photos were taken to support immigration applications.
Potential Motive And Allegations
Prosecutors and security experts say the operation expressly sought to recruit military personnel, who could potentially provide their spouses with base access or military-related privileges after receiving lawful permanent-resident status. The Naval Air Station Jacksonville and nearby naval assets were identified as possible targets in the reporting and expert commentary.
Displayed is the official seal of the Navy.
Related Local Cases
The Jacksonville area has seen related prosecutions: former Navy recruiter Brinio Urena pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud after marrying a Chinese citizen for money. In July 2024, Navy Reservist Raymond Zumba pleaded guilty to attempting to bribe a Naval Air Station Jacksonville official to obtain fraudulent military identification cards for individuals with links to China.
Expert Analysis
J. Michael Waller, a former CIA operative, told Fox News Digital the scheme "appears to be a targeted intelligence recruitment and collection operation" aimed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Waller said sham marriages could allow foreign spouses to obtain passes and other access tied to military family status.
Waller and other experts warned the incidents highlight vulnerabilities in recruitment, personnel screening, training and discipline within the Navy. They emphasized that even if those involved were not directly seeking classified information, the potential for access to sensitive facilities is a pressing national-security concern.
U.S. Navy sailors watch a woman walk past as they walk through Times Square during Fleet Week in New York, U.S., May 25, 2016.
Status And Potential Penalties
Bailey and Chambers each face up to five years in prison if convicted. Court records show neither defendant has entered a plea. Investigations and related prosecutions in the area continue.
Note: The allegations described above are based on federal charges and reporting; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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