Opinion ID: 2736643
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Bride Wore Camo

Text: In the summer of 2008, May was, by her own account, not in a good place. She was doing a lot of drugs, alcohol, and, at that time . . . pretty much didn't care about her life. Although she testified that her memory of that time was not good, she recalled having several conversations with Ronald during which he would ask if [she] knew anybody that would marry somebody to get a green card or if [she] would. May initially declined, but Ronald persisted, raising the topic [p]retty much every time [they] talked. According to May, Ronald told her, Whoever would marry somebody for a green card would get money. The would-be bride finally succumbed to Ronald's importuning. On August 27, 2008, May signed a marriage certificate at Lewiston City Hall. She testified that she had no recollection of who was with her at the time, but Samson's signature appears on the certificate beside that of his bride.2 Five days later, May received $400 that Samson had wired to her through Western Union. On October 22, 2008, at Samson's behest, Ronald picked May up at her home and drove her to the wedding. May testified that she had been drinking and was dressed like [she] just was cleaning; in fact, she was wearing a camouflage tank top. Ronald drove her to a private home where a notary public performed the rather spartan 2 The defense stipulated that pursuant to state law, both parties are required to be present to apply for and receive a valid marriage license. -4- nuptials. The groom wore a suit, but did not provide a ring. Instead, the couple borrowed a ring from the officiant for Samson to place on the bride's finger (something borrowed) and the bride mimed placing a ring on the groom's finger. Following the brief ceremony, Ronald drove the bride back to his house; the groom followed with a friend in a separate car. While at Ronald's house, May observed Samson as he handed Ronald a lot of money. Ronald then gave May $800 or $900 before pocketing a good amount for himself. A short time later, Ronald and Samson dropped May off at her home. May testified that she did not intend to actually be married to Samson, nor did she ever live with him.