Mexican actress pleads guilty in marriage case

LOS ANGELES – A Mexican actress has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to immigration authorities in a case alleging she engaged in a phony marriage to gain U.S. residency.

Fernanda Romero entered the plea Friday in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge Manuel Real told her to return for sentencing on April 11 but gave no indication of what the sentence might be.

The maximum would be five years in prison, plus a fine and probation.

The guilty plea came on a limited section of the original allegations against Romero. Remaining charges are to be dismissed at sentencing.

The plea agreement also involved her American husband, Kent Ross. But his legal paperwork was not in order and his hearing was postponed to Feb. 4.