Undocumented Ponzi Scheme Operator Sought U.S. Marriage to Avoid Deportation Before 11-Year Sentence
Siddharth Jawahar, an undocumented Indian national convicted of a multi-million-dollar Ponzi fraud that included NFL star Travis Kelce among its victims, asked a court to permit his marriage to an American citizen in an effort to remain in the United States, but prosecutors opposed the request.
A federal judge sentenced Siddharth Jawahar, an undocumented Indian immigrant, to 11 years in prison for a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of more than $31 million, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. In a filing on Sept. 4, prosecutors argued that Jawahar’s request to marry U.S. citizen Caroline Tredway was intended to obtain immigration status, while his attorney maintained the request was not fraudulent and noted that Tredway was prepared to purchase a modest wedding ring and pay for an officiant.
"The truth is, Mr. Jawahar very much hopes to stay here after his sentence and build a life with Caroline, and he plans to pursue any legal avenues to do so," attorney Doug Passon said in a Sept. 13 response.
Passon also acknowledged that, given Jawahar’s criminal conviction and lack of legal status, his chances of remaining in the country were slim. Court records revealed a monitored phone call on June 30, 2026 in which Tredway asked, "What if you get deported?" and Jawahar replied, "If you don’t marry me, I guess that might happen," adding that marriage would dramatically reduce his risk of removal.
Tredway, who lives near Cleveland, submitted an August letter to the court stating that the couple met in 2021, became romantically involved in February 2023, and that legitimizing their marriage before Jawahar entered a federal facility was "vital for our family." She said she entered the marriage with full awareness of his legal situation.
Prosecutors also disclosed that Jawahar attempted other tactics to influence his sentencing, including a $10,000 payment to a Missouri political consulting firm to secure a supportive letter from Rep. Sam Graves and to arrange a favorable newspaper article. Additional alleged conduct included coaching a victim to give a positive statement and instructing his sister to wipe his iPhone.
Jawahar arrived in the United States around 2005 to study at the University of Texas, later operating a Texas-based investment firm, Swiftarc Capital LLC, which prosecutors described as a classic Ponzi scheme that raised more than $35 million but invested only about $10 million. The scheme attracted high-profile athletes, including Kelce and NBA players Gary Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Mason Plumlee.
The court ordered Jawahar to pay $31 million in restitution to victims. He has not commented publicly on the allegations, and Tredway did not respond to requests for comment.