Last defendant in KOJC US immigration fraud case pleads guilty

NEW YORK — The United States District Court for the Central District of California has set the sentencing of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) administrator Betina Padilla Roces, who previously entered into a plea agreement with the US Attorney's Office in exchange for a lesser penalty.

Defendant Bettina Padilla Roces, also known as "Kuki," handled financial matters and discipline within KOJC. 

Court records state that Roces received fundraising reports, and that cash generated from KOJC worker solicitation activities was delivered to her.

Further, court records also show that on or about May 2, 2019, in Los Angeles County, defendant Roces, aided and abetted by M.F., a United States citizen, unlawfully entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading provisions of US immigration laws. Roces, an alien and a citizen and national of the Philippines, allegedly entered into the marriage without the intent to establish a life together.

Roces appeared before Judge Terry Hatter Jr. on December 15, during which the magistrate questioned her regarding her change of plea to Count 12 of the First Superseding Indictment.

The court also questioned Roces regarding the guilty plea she entered and found that the defendant was fully informed and that the plea was made knowingly and voluntarily.

Hatter referred the defendant to the US Probation Office for investigation and preparation of a pre-sentence report, and continued the matter to May 4, 2026 for sentencing.

She remains out on bond and at liberty pending sentencing.

Betina Padilla Roces is the last co-accused of KOJC Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in the Los Angeles case to plead guilty to immigration fraud.

Previously, Marissa Duenas, Amanda Estopare, Feline Salinas, and Guia Cabactulan, all administrators of KOJC, as well as Maria De Leon, a KOJC paralegal who processed immigration documents, pleaded guilty in exchange for lesser penalties. — VDV, GMA Integrated News