In a legal battle unfolding in the Eastern District of New York, a man accuses his estranged wife of entering into their marriage under false pretenses, allegedly to secure immigration benefits. Donovan Anthony Cole filed the complaint on October 2, 2024, against Thelma Lennon Cole, alleging that she manipulated her identity to facilitate her move to the United States.
Cole claims that his marriage to Lennon was built on deception. According to the court documents, Cole alleges that Lennon falsified her birth certificate in Jamaica to show her brother as her father. This alteration was purportedly made in 2002, thirty-two years after her birth, with the intent of securing immigration benefits and moving to the United States. Cole discovered this alleged fraud only in 2022 during their divorce proceedings when he obtained a copy of their marriage certificate from Jamaica.
Cole asserts that Lennon never intended to remain married for life but used him as a means to immigrate. He accuses her of causing him emotional distress and financial loss due to her fraudulent actions. "The defendant enjoyed the benefit of a legitimate spouse during the period of cohabitation," states Cole in his complaint, highlighting how he was misled into believing they were building a life together.
As part of his lawsuit, Cole is seeking various forms of relief from the court. He demands declaratory judgments recognizing Lennon's conduct as fraudulent and based on false identity. Furthermore, he seeks damages amounting to at least $900,000 or more if proven at trial for both emotional and financial harm caused by Lennon's alleged deceitful actions. Additionally, Cole requests punitive damages and reimbursement for legal costs incurred during this litigation process.
Representing Cole is attorney Albert Van-Lare from The Law Offices of Albert Van-Lare located in New York City. Case ID 1:24-cv-06988.