US judge approves KOJC exec Marissa Duenas' guilty plea

NEW YORK - Judge Terry Hatter Jr. of the United States District Court for the Central District of California has accepted the guilty plea of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) administrator Marissa Duenas. 

Duenas, a human resources manager for the KOJC in Van Nuys, agreed to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge to defraud the US in exchange for a reduced sentence.

During questioning, Hatter confirmed Duenas' understanding of her plea agreement. 

The agreement indicated that Duenas and others sought to maintain US immigration status for KOJC members by arranging "sham marriages" with other members who were US citizens.

According to court document, Duenas stated that she was neither threatened nor coerced and that she voluntarily provided information about KOJC's illegal operations in California.

Hatter said the court finds "factual and legal basis for the plea, and the plea is free of any coercive influence."

“There have been no promises of any kind made to the Defendant by anyone and no threats of coercion have been exerted upon Defendant in any manner,” it added.  

The court has referred Duenas to the Probation Office for an investigation and the preparation of a pre-sentence report to determine her sentencing.

Her sentencing is scheduled for February 24, while the plea hearings for KOJC officials Amanda Estopare and Guia Cabactulan are set for November 18, 2024. 

Estopare and Cabactulan have also reached agreements with the US Attorney’s Office for reduced sentences. —KBK, GMA Integrated News