A Manhattan woman has pleaded guilty to taking part in a marriage fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Jacqueline Michaelle Reed, 48, Manhattan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. in her plea, Reed, who is a U.S. citizen, admitted she entered into a marriage contract with co-defendant Yun Chiu for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws.

CHiu was a foreign national who was seeking lawful permanent residency status in this country. Their arrangement was part of a conspiracy led by Quong Bow Low who was paid for helping aliens seek residency. Low’s fees covered such services as coaching the defendants on how to answer questions during an immigration interview so that officials wold believe the couple had entered into a valid marriage.

Reed and Chu submitted fraudulent paperwork to immigration authorities, including a marriage license that never was filed with the state of Kansas, as well as a false declaration they were in a valid marriage and resided together at the same address in Lawrence, Kan.

Reed is set for sentencing Jan. 12. She faces a maximum possible penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Co-defendants include Yun Chiu who is set for trial Nov. 12 and Quong Bow Low who is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 14.