An out-of-state man has been sentenced to prison after being convicted in a financial scam that targeted an elderly resident of Ashley County, officials confirmed.
On Jan. 8, 2026, a jury found Portier Guytan guilty in connection with a lottery scam involving a 76-year-old Crossett resident. Circuit Judge Robert Gibson III accepted the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Guytan to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction, along with a $10,000 fine.
Testimony revealed the investigation began on May 15, 2025, when Ashley County Sheriff Tommy Sturgeon learned the victim had been contacted by individuals claiming he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The callers instructed the victim to send $50,000 in fees to claim the prize.
Before authorities were alerted, the victim had already sent approximately $30,000 and was preparing to transfer the remaining funds during a scheduled meeting at Brookshire’s in Crossett. On May 16, 2025, deputies conducted surveillance and observed Guytan accept a bag containing $27,000 in cash in exchange for a briefcase said to contain the lottery winnings.
Deputies immediately detained Guytan following the exchange. Investigators later determined the briefcase contained only printer paper.
Guytan told authorities he was originally from Trinidad and had been living in Massachusetts. He stated he was paid $3,000 to transport money intended for Jamaica. Guytan admitted placing the paper inside the briefcase and acknowledged participating in a prior transaction, but said he could not identify the individual he claimed hired him.
Following the verdict, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Bradshaw thanked the jury, saying the conviction sends a clear message that financial crimes will not be tolerated in Ashley County.
“This conviction shows that those who exploit vulnerable citizens will be held accountable,” Bradshaw said.
Officials emphasized that the case highlights continued efforts by the 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office to combat elder fraud. Sheriff Sturgeon noted that lottery and sweepstakes scams are widespread and difficult to investigate due to their international nature. He added that many victims hesitate to report such crimes out of embarrassment.
Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain said similar scams have targeted Americans for more than a decade.
“The Jamaican Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam has been preying on vulnerable individuals for over 15 years,” Spain said. “Federal Trade Commission warnings date back to 2009. This conviction sends a strong message that this exploitation will not be tolerated.”
Spain urged residents to remain cautious of unsolicited messages promising large winnings in exchange for upfront fees or taxes, noting such schemes often continue until a victim’s finances are depleted.
Authorities also warned of other common elder fraud schemes identified by the FBI, including romance scams, tech support scams, grandparent scams, government impersonation scams, home repair fraud, and caregiver exploitation.
