America's North Shore Journal » Crime and Punishment, Immigration » Marine captain cheated way to citizenship
Star of Hope is a nondenominational Christian organization that equips children across the world with knowledge, physical well-being, spiritual growth and social skills through educational programs and local and international partnerships. Please donate!
Marine captain cheated way to citizenship
Since arriving in the United States from war-torn Lebanon in 1989, Samar Spinelli pursued the American Dream.
She got a college degree.
She joined the military and rose to the rank of captain.
She married, had children and served the United States with two tours of duty in Iraq.
But her life was built on lies.
On Tuesday, the truth caught up with the 39-year-old Marine captain when she pleaded guilty in Detroit to conspiracy to commit marriage, immigration, citizenship and passport fraud.
“Yes sir,” Spinelli said repeatedly as U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn questioned her about the charges and a plea agreement that could cause her to spend 9 months in prison and possibly lose her citizenship and be deported to Lebanon. She also agreed to resign from the Marines.
Spinelli, who was on track to become a major and was within five years of retirement, will lose her Marine pension, her lawyer said.
“This is an absolute tragedy,” her lawyer, Christopher Andreoff of Detroit, said as Spinelli was processed by U.S. marshals after pleading guilty.
No. it’s not.
Filed under: Crime and Punishment, Immigration
3 Responses to "Marine captain cheated way to citizenship"
Coming Soon: Future Posts
- Declaration of War 1812 (in 129 days)
- USS President vs HMS Belvidera (in 134 days)
- General Hull Invades Canada (in 153 days)
- First Battle of Sacketts Harbor (in 160 days)
On Y!CN
- Radioactive Gravel from Japanese Nuke Disaster Used in Buildings
- Fuel Supplies Reach Nome
- Fuel Convoy Reaches Nome
- Russians Sail to Rescue of Ice Bound Alaska Community
- Pope Embraces Anglicans in U.S. with New Ordinariate
- Nebraska Nuke Plant Placed on Special Inspection Status
- Radioactive Water Leaks at Japanese Nuke Site
- Japan Damaged Nuke Plants Still Not Under Control
Social Links
On further investigation on my part: there is more to this story. If people are interested they should use google to do so.
The story, as posted here, makes me feel sorry for Mrs. Spinelli, but after reading some more I am not convinced any more of her innocence…
Ditto what Frank said.
Other than the illegal entry (or overstaying of visa) she has led an exemplary life and career. Serving (I presume honorably) in the Marine Corp. for over 15 years has GOT to count for more than an immigration violation. Serving honorably as enlisted in the military for 6 years has long been a citizenship path. Presuming the otherwise honorable behavior this is as clear a case for executive clemency as any I’ve heard of.
Well…. Yes she is wrong, very wrong and it is a crime. But come on! This is the kind of immigrant you want! She got a college degree, joined the armed forces, made a career and was in Iraq 2 times! There are US citizens who do not have such an outstanding record.
Would you rather have her or some unemployed illegal Mexican immigrant who crossed the border just for the greenbacks?
If she gets deported it will be the US’loss. Shame on the US if this happens.