FIVE years of legal battles in the United States District Court for the Central District of California came to an end when Marissa Dueñas, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Van Nuys, California administrator, was sentenced to supervised release, which is akin to probation, without any additional jail time on the one count to which she pleaded guilty. The court dismissed all her other charges. Ms. Dueñas remains free to stay at home.
Ms. Dueñas was faced with a superseding indictment with a total of 42 charges combined, nine of which were direct charges against her. These included serious charges such as forced labor, immigration fraud, and money laundering. After a thorough legal procedure, all the charges against Ms. Dueñas were dismissed except for one count of marriage fraud.
Atty. John Littrell, Managing Partner and chief counsel for Ms. Dueñas, praised her perseverance:
“Marissa’s patience and courage throughout this ordeal were unlike anything I had ever seen before. I am grateful to Judge Hatter for seeing Marissa for who she is and doing justice in light of all of the circumstances.”
The outcome of this case upholds the significance of due process and meticulous consideration in the American legal system.
Marissa Dueñas’s family, friends, and KOJC community expressed relief and gratitude over the court’s decision, praising her resilience and strength in enduring the ordeal.
With the decision of the court now finally arrived, Marissa Dueñas may move on with her name cleared of her most serious charges.
