Medard Lotahe Elonge, a 40-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo living in Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on April 10 for his role in a scheme to defraud the United States government.
Elonge pleaded guilty on September 8, 2025, to conspiracy to defraud the United States. The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraudulent immigration schemes and uphold immigration laws.
According to court documents, Elonge entered the country in January 2022 on a student visa and later applied for asylum. Prosecutors said he arranged with others for his children’s mother—who was still in Congo—to enter into a fraudulent marriage so she could come to the United States. Elonge admitted as part of his plea agreement that another man married his wife with plans for a divorce six months after her arrival.
United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams sentenced Elonge in Cedar Rapids to one year and one day in prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole under federal law. Elonge has been released on bond and is scheduled to surrender to U.S. Marshals on May 4.
Others charged in connection with this case include Joseph Onolenga Okamba and Bienvenu Saido Binyangi, who have also pleaded guilty but are awaiting sentencing. Another co-defendant, Joseph Okoko, previously received a three-month prison sentence.
The investigation involved several agencies including the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Waterloo Police Department, Sioux City Police Department, and Iowa Department of Transportation. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Cole and Nicole L. Nagin.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
