A Liberian soldier has admitted entering the U.S. illegally with help from a Kansas National Guard member from Chase County.
Devine Togba Pearson pleaded guilty to visa fraud in U.S. District Court on Friday.
Pearson admitted he struck up a friendship in 2010 with Spc. William Reed Halvorsen age 29, of Elmdale, when the Kansan was on a military-to-military mission to the west African country.
Halvorsen agreed to help Pearson get a non-immigrant visa, but they failed to inform U.S. Embassy officials that Pearson was an active member of the Liberian Armed Forces. Pearson reportedly was absent without leave from the military.
He is to be sentenced Dec. 12. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of time served. The government and his lawyer have jointly requested his removal to Liberia.
Halvorsen pleaded guilty last month to aiding and abetting fraudulent statements. He will be sentenced on Nov. 8.