Four Jamaicans charged in lottery scam
Published:Thursday | October 20, 2011 | 12:00 AM
PENNSYLVANIA (AP):
Police say they have charged four men in western Pennsylvania for allegedly operating a nationwide lottery scam.
Investigators say the men targeted elderly citizens throughout the United States (US), telling them they had won the 'Mega Millions Lottery'.
Twenty-three-year-old Michaelee Fitz-Andy Jamieson, 23-year-old Jeffery Augustus Bernard, 32-year-old Sylvester Williams, and 31-year-old Junior Powell were all charged with receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy and corrupt organisations. Police list all as residents of Jamaica, and say the investigation is ongoing.
The arrests were made after a victim in Topeka, Kansas, sent US$25,000 to the men, supposedly to satisfy costs associated with the winnings.
The victim never received any money and reported the suspected fraud. Police say they found information linking the men to that crime, as well as other possible victims throughout the US.