Ghanaian socialite Hajia4Reall, born Mona Faiz Montrage, has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison by a United States court.
The sentence follows her involvement in a high-profile romance scam that defrauded victims of substantial sums of money. According to Inner City Press, after serving her sentence, she will be permitted to return to Ghana.
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During the court proceedings, the presiding judge emphasized the necessity of the extra day in Hajia4Reall’s sentence to account for “good time.” The defense team successfully argued for her immediate deportation to Ghana upon release, without additional detention by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Here are some excerpts from the court proceedings:
Judge: I sentence Ms. Montrage to one year and one day in prison, the extra day to allow “good time.”
Defense: We propose she be allowed to fly back to Ghana as soon as she is released, with no ICE detention.
AUSA: We consent. Adjourned.
READ ALSO: Hajia4Real pleads for 3 months in jail and separation to Ghana (Video)
Earlier in the trial, Hajia4Reall pleaded for a lighter sentence of three months, citing her status as a single mother. She explained that her involvement in the scam stemmed from a relationship with a man who was deeply involved in the illegal activity, and that she had a child with him. However, the U.S. Attorney argued for a stricter sentence, insisting that it should serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes.
Hajia4Reall’s legal troubles began when she was arrested in the United Kingdom and subsequently extradited to the United States. Reports indicate that she was implicated in a romance scam that defrauded victims of nearly $2 million. Among her victims, one was particularly exploited, with Hajia4Reall receiving wire transfers amounting to $89,000, allegedly to fund her father’s farm, which turned out to be non-existent.
The charges against Hajia4Reall included one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of money laundering. Additionally, she faced charges for the receipt of stolen money, which carries a potential 10-year prison sentence, and conspiracy to receive stolen cash, which carries a five-year jail term.
