Mona Faiz Montrage, known as Hajia 4Real, was sentenced Friday June 28, 2024, to one year and one day in prison for her involvement in a $2 million romance scam. This decision came despite her lawyers’ plea for a three-month sentence, citing her role as a single mother and her essential presence in her child’s life.
“I sentence Ms. Montrage to one year and one day in prison, the extra day to allow ‘good time,'” the judge stated, explaining the decision to extend the sentence beyond the requested three months. The judge’s ruling also recommended that Hajia 4Real be allowed to return to Ghana immediately upon release without ICE detention.
Hajia 4Real faced charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering. She was implicated in a scheme where she allegedly communicated with one of her victims multiple times, receiving wire transfers totaling $89,000 under the guise of funding her father’s farm.
Her arrest occurred in the United Kingdom, leading to her subsequent extradition to the United States to face these charges.
During the trial, Hajia 4Real named the father of her daughter, identified as Allison, as the person who introduced her to internet fraud. She claimed to have met Allison in 2015 in the United States, falling in love with him without initially knowing about his fraudulent activities. According to her, Allison later involved her in his schemes and has since been an irresponsible father to their daughter.
Hajia 4Real’s legal team initially requested a three-month sentence, emphasizing her critical role as a single mother. However, the US Attorney’s Office argued for a more stringent sentence of 37 months, referencing similar cases and the need for a proper deterrent against such crimes.
Following the sentencing, the Fast Law Firm, representing Hajia 4Real, expressed their perspective on the outcome via social media. “After a 1.5-hour sentencing, U.S. v. Mona Montrage, 22 cr 617 (JPO) comes to a close. Our client was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day, significantly less than the Government’s request for 37 to 46 months of incarceration. We are incredibly proud of the advocacy done on our client’s behalf and the result achieved. Our client will issue a statement when she is ready.”
