A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Venerando Martin to 18 months in prison for visa fraud after investigators said he submitted hundreds of fraudulent immigration applications using a Saipan mailing address.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI ordered Martin to serve the term with credit for time served, followed by one year of supervised release. He must also complete 40 hours of community service and pay a $200 special assessment.
Martin, 56, a Philippine national, was allowed to remain released and will self‑surrender once notified by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Martin pleaded guilty on Nov. 26 to two counts of visa fraud. Prosecutors said he falsely claimed eligibility under the C16 category—reserved for individuals continuously present in the United States since before Jan. 1, 1972—despite records showing he first entered the country in 2000.
Investigators said more than 100 Form I‑765 applications filed between June and November 2024 falsely claimed C16 eligibility, and that a total of 242 applications listed the same Saipan address tied to Martin. Five individuals were specifically identified as having received Employment Authorization Documents through the scheme.
Homeland Security Investigations‑Saipan opened the case after receiving tips from independent sources, including USCIS, about suspicious filings. The charges also seek forfeiture of assets connected to the offenses or substitute property if the original assets cannot be recovered.
