'Runaway Bride' Who Married 14 Men To Fund $300K Gambling Habit Jailed by Las Vegas Judge

Jiaying Chen, described as a 'runaway bride' in reporting on the case, has been sentenced to jail and probation after pleading guilty to bigamy and obtaining money under false pretences. Authorities said Chen had submitted at least 14 marriage applications in Las Vegas, with police records showing seven marriage certificates.

The 34-year-old was ordered to serve the first year of her probation in the Clark County Detention Center, with 125 days already served credited towards the term. She will then serve two more years of probation, attend gambling treatment and repay more than $280,000 (£211,960) to victims.

Jiaying Chen Sentenced After Pleading Guilty

District Judge Crystal Eller sentenced Chen on 6 October after she pleaded guilty in July to one count of bigamy and one count of obtaining money under false pretences.

The plea agreement called for an eight-to-20-year suspended prison sentence, but the judge instead ordered Chen to serve the first year of her probation in jail. Her 125 days already spent in custody will count towards the jail term.

The court also ordered Chen to pay $280,062.86 (£212,009) in restitution. Prosecutors said nine victims were seeking payments ranging from $8,142 to $80,920 (£6,164 to £61,256).

Prosecutors supported probation partly because Chen was reportedly a lawful permanent resident. They argued that prison could trigger immigration proceedings and make it harder for victims to recover their money.

Police Said Chen Submitted 14 Marriage Applications

Authorities said Chen had submitted at least 14 marriage applications in Las Vegas, with police records showing seven marriage certificates. Prosecutors said she married five men during a months-long stretch in 2026.

Police said Chen met men through social media before quickly suggesting marriage and asking them for money. Investigators alleged she told some men the funds were needed to help sick relatives in China.

$300K Gambling Losses Uncovered

Investigators said Chen lost more than $300,000 (£227,100) at Wynn Las Vegas during the previous year, while police alleged that money obtained from men was used to fund her gambling.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal previously reported that Chen told investigators she could make as much as $20,000 (£15,140) from one marriage.

Several alleged victims reported losing tens of thousands of dollars. One man said he gave Chen $40,000 (£30,280) for a purported sick relative, while another gave her $23,000 (£17,411) shortly after they married.

Fake Identity Allegedly Helped Repeat Marriages

Police said Chen used the alias Vicky Liang, along with fraudulent identification documents including a fake passport and Nevada driver's licence.

Authorities alleged Chen used the alias and false documents for additional marriage applications.

Chen was first arrested in 2024 but disappeared after posting bail, according to prosecutors. Chief Deputy District Attorney Austin Beaumont later described Chen as the 'quintessential runaway bride'.

She was arrested again in June 2026 after investigators learned she planned to meet a man at a Las Vegas restaurant to discuss marriage.

Judge Orders Gambling Treatment and Probation

Judge Eller ordered Chen to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings and gambling addiction counselling, alongside electronic monitoring.

Her defence lawyer said Chen had struggled with gambling, was remorseful and wanted to repay victims. Speaking through an interpreter, Chen told the judge she planned to work as a waitress at a friend's sushi restaurant in Florida after her release.