WASHINGTON, D.C. – Major Collin L. Welch, a 40-year-old officer in the D.C. National Guard, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to charges of immigration fraud and theft of government funds amounting to approximately $54,000. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Welch’s guilty plea comes as part of a broader investigation into fraudulent activities involving government resources.
Welch appeared before U.S. District Judge Amir H. Ali, where he admitted to unlawfully inducing a Mongolian national to enter and remain in the United States. The case dates back to 2019 when Welch, while stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, began a relationship with the woman despite being married. He later fabricated a divorce decree to facilitate this relationship and married her in 2022 while still legally tied to his first wife.
In 2024, Welch brought the Mongolian woman and her minor daughter to the U.S. on tourist visas. After their visas expired in early 2025, he continued to provide financial support and housing. Welch created fraudulent documents, including fake residency approvals and Social Security cards, to mislead them about their immigration status, none of which were submitted to any government agency.
In addition to immigration fraud, Welch misused his government travel card to submit bogus travel vouchers and created fictitious receipts for non-existent hotel stays and rental cars. This unauthorized use of the card resulted in charges exceeding $54,000, further aggravating his legal troubles. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Unit.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Babu Kaza, underscores the ongoing efforts of the Department of Justice to combat fraud against government funds, aligning with national initiatives aimed at eliminating waste and abuse in federal benefit programs. Welch is scheduled for sentencing on December 3, 2026.
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