Syracuse woman spends 60 years believing she is a US citizen. Then she searches for her biological mother and is now facing deportation

Marva Cook is facing a federal charge of voting illegally, a development that follows her discovery that she was not born in the United States, the Associated Press reports. The 66-year-old Syracuse resident, who once starred on the Syracuse University women’s basketball team, reportedly learned about her status while searching for her biological mother. She discovered a German birth certificate during that process, which contradicted the assumption she held for 60 years that she was a citizen.

Federal prosecutors allege that while Cook has held a green card for several years, she cast ballots in recent elections despite not having citizenship. She is now charged with a single misdemeanor count of voting by an alien related to her participation in the 2022 midterms. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and potential deportation under federal law.

Cook turned herself in voluntarily to authorities, but she described her court appearance on Wednesday as a difficult experience. She stated she was “not thrilled” to be placed in shackles during that process. When reached by phone on Friday, she declined to speak about the specifics of the criminal case or her voting history.

Cook noted that she draws strength from her community and her faith

“The prayers and the support is a big part of how I will get through this,” Cook said. “I have a deep faith that God will get me through it.” She added, “It was a difficult time,” and, “I’m about kindness and service and doing for others as I want to be treated.”

Her lawyer, Paul Tuck, confirmed there are no upcoming hearings or filing deadlines at this time. He also mentioned that while there are no pending immigration proceedings, Cook has an immigration lawyer prepared should the situation change. Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to requests for comment.

This arrest is part of a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to identify noncitizen voters ahead of the midterm elections. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated that the case demonstrates that voter fraud is rampant in New York. Government agencies have amplified these claims on X, with one post stating, “We cannot and will not allow the votes of American citizens to be canceled out by noncitizens illegally voting in our elections.”

These claims arrive even as internal government investigations often show that noncitizen voting is rare and does not change election outcomes. Similar charges have been filed recently against over two dozen people in California and 10 individuals in Minnesota.

Many in the Syracuse community view the charges against Cook with surprise, highlighting her long history of local service. She was the leading scorer for the Syracuse University women’s basketball team during the 1979-80 season and still holds the school record for the most steals in a single season.

Fred Daley, a pastor at All Saints Church, noted that she is a highly respected member of the parish who frequently volunteers in the community. “If the government wanted to make a case, they chose the wrong person,” he said. “She’s a poster child of an amazing person. She’s highly respected throughout the community.”

Dale Avers, a longtime acquaintance of Cook, expressed disbelief regarding the prosecution. She pointed out that Cook serves as the director of the YMCA’s community school program and works to help youth and families with low incomes.

“I’m in total shock that they’re putting this much effort into this,” Avers said. “They understood the story. There was no intent. There’s no malice. There was no deception involved.”