LOS ANGELES – Mexican-born actress Fernanda Romero has had bit parts in such movies as the horror film "Drag Me to Hell," but federal prosecutors say her biggest act was pretending to be a bride.
The 28-year-old actress and husband were arrested Friday at their separate Los Angeles homes and charged with marriage fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said. They contend Romero paid Kent Ross, 28, to marry her in 2005 so that she could become a U.S. resident.
Authorities said the two never lived together and Romero, whose full name is Maria Fernanda Romero Martinez, submitted phony documents with her residency application.
An investigation began after Romero's ex-boyfriend, fashion photographer Markus Klinko, told immigration authorities her marriage was a sham. The couple started dating after Romero and Ross were married.
If convicted, Romero and Ross could be sentenced to up to five years in federal prison.
