TUCSON, Ariz. — A Jamaican national, Deeno Jackson, 27, is facing serious charges in Arizona for allegedly running a lottery scam that defrauded an elderly Tucson resident out of more than $400,000.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona, Jackson was indicted last week for wire fraud in connection with the scheme, which reportedly targeted elderly individuals in the state.
Court records reveal that the family of an 84-year-old Tucson man alerted the FBI after learning he had been deceived into sending large sums of money. He was led to believe he had won a $3 million prize and a pickup truck through the so-called “American Senior Citizen’s Award Contest.”
The victim was allegedly instructed to purchase gift cards and deposit cashier’s checks to various addresses and bank accounts. In a disturbing twist, he was also mailed a safe rigged with explosive powder that would destroy the alleged prize if opened without the correct combination. To receive the combination, the man was told he had to pay additional fees.
Investigators linked a $7,000 cashier’s check to Jackson, and phone records reportedly showed him directing others to send money. During an FBI interview last month, Jackson denied involvement in any scam-related activities.
Prosecutors claim Jackson and his co-conspirators would contact victims under the guise of awarding prizes, then demand payment of “taxes” to release the winnings.
If convicted, Jackson faces the possibility of significant prison time.
