A Jamaican citizen has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a fraudulent lottery scheme that targeted elderly Americans. Linton Stewart, 40, was convicted in the Western District of North Carolina after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, Stewart and his co-conspirators operated a scheme from approximately 2010 to 2016. They contacted elderly individuals in the US by phone, falsely claiming they had won significant prizes in lotteries or sweepstakes. Victims were then instructed to send money to cover supposed taxes and fees associated with their winnings.
Stewart admitted to repeatedly contacting victims and pressuring them to send more money, despite the non-existent nature of the lottery.
“Overseas lottery schemes are a common method used by criminals to exploit US citizens, particularly our elderly population,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “The Department of Justice will hold accountable those who participate in such unacceptable schemes.”
US Attorney Dena J. King emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “Stealing money from elderly individuals is a despicable act.” She added that the sentence sends a strong message that those who exploit vulnerable adults for financial gain will face justice.
This prosecution underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to combating fraudulent lottery schemes originating from Jamaica. The US Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, with assistance from the Office of International Affairs in securing Stewart’s arrest and extradition from Jamaica.
For those 60 years and older who have fallen victim to financial fraud, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
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