Syracuse woman charged with illegal voting after learning she lacks U.S. citizenship

Marva Cook, a former Syracuse University basketball star, was arrested on a federal charge of voting as an alien after she cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm elections. Adopted as a toddler, Cook always assumed she was a U.S. citizen until a recent search for her birth mother revealed a German birth certificate. Prosecutors note she has possessed a green card for several years but never obtained citizenship, making her votes illegal under federal law.

The misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and possible deportation. Cook turned herself in voluntarily but was shackled in court, a detail she described as distressing. She declined to discuss the case, citing reliance on community prayers and her faith for strength. Local supporters, including her pastor Fred Daley and longtime neighbor Dale Avers, highlighted her service work and argued there was no intent to deceive.