Home » Jamaican Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Scamming Elderly Americans

Jamaican Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Scamming Elderly Americans

by Sophia Bennett

A Jamaican national has been sentenced to seven years in prison for orchestrating a fraudulent lottery scam that specifically targeted elderly Americans. Linton Stewart, 40, of Jamaica, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Conrad in the Western District of North Carolina. Stewart had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud back in August 2023. Along with his prison sentence, Stewart was ordered to pay a hefty restitution fee of US$1,104,041.74.

Court documents revealed that Stewart ran the scam from around 2010 through at least August 2016, with the goal of swindling elderly U.S. citizens out of their hard-earned money. Stewart and his co-conspirators would contact elderly individuals, falsely informing them they had won large prizes or sweepstakes. Victims were then told they needed to send money to cover fees and taxes on their supposed winnings. Stewart manipulated the victims, often convincing them to send additional payments even though no lottery or prize existed.

“Overseas lottery schemes are unfortunately a common means by which foreign criminals seek to target U.S. citizens, particularly elder Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Such schemes are unacceptable, and the department will hold accountable those who participate in them.”

U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina also condemned Stewart’s actions, stating, “Stealing money from elderly individuals is a despicable crime. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that fraudsters who target and exploit older adults for financial gain will be brought to justice.”

Stewart’s arrest and prosecution were part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to crack down on fraudulent lottery schemes operating out of Jamaica that prey on U.S. citizens. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, while the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked closely with Jamaican authorities to facilitate Stewart’s arrest and extradition.

This conviction sends a strong message to those who engage in schemes that exploit vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. The Justice Department and other law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to combat such fraud, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Authorities have urged individuals aged 60 and older, who may have fallen victim to financial fraud, to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides multilingual assistance seven days a week.

As fraudulent lottery schemes continue to affect thousands of elderly individuals across the country, it is critical for both law enforcement and the public to stay vigilant in identifying and preventing such scams.

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