Serial Bride's Motive Isn't So Pure, Says DA

Liana Barrientos is accused of fraud, bogus marriages
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 10, 2015 5:28 PM CDT
Serial Bride's Motive Isn't So Pure, Says DA
Liana Barrientos walks out of Judge Steven Barrett's courtroom at the Bronx Supreme Court after an arraignment Friday.   (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Authorities say they know why a Bronx woman married 10 times in 11 years, and we'd like to tell you it involves a plucky optimist's undying quest for love. Instead, think "immigration scam," reports the Journal News. The Bronx district attorney today charged 39-year-old Liana Barrientos with fraud, accusing her of marrying men from countries including Pakistan, Georgia, Turkey, Mali, and Egypt on false pretenses. At one time, authorities say Barrientos was married to eight men at once, though the number is now four.

Essentially, Barrientos is accused of operating what CBS New York calls a "marriage mill," in which she makes money in exchange for helping her "husbands" with their immigration status. One such suitor, groom No. 8 to be exact, is identified as Rashid Rajput, who was deported back to Pakistan after allegedly making threats against the US. The CBS station adds a footnote, reporting that Barrientos entered the subway through an emergency gate after leaving court and was promptly charged with fare evasion. (More Bronx stories.)

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