Lighthouse Point, FL – The FBI is renewing its warning about online romance scams after a 71-year-old Florida woman lost more than $61,000 to a man she believed was a romantic partner.
The woman thought she was communicating with someone named “James Lee Jackson,” who convinced her to loan $61,530 for a construction project, promising to repay the funds. But according to Lighthouse Point police, the person behind the messages was actually 64-year-old Kevin Crosswright.
Investigators say Crosswright traveled from Colorado to South Florida to turn himself in. The arrest report alleges his actions were part of a “clear pattern of money laundering” and a scheme to defraud victims through false promises of investment returns.
“She feels horrible and penniless… and betrayed,” the woman told detectives.
Crosswright has not been formally charged, and his defense attorney, John Hager, stated in court:
“These are mere allegations. He’s not charged with anything whatsoever.”
The case reflects a growing trend of digital deception targeting elderly victims. The FBI urges the public to be cautious when forming online relationships that involve financial requests.
