Jamaican woman sentenced to two years for a lottery scam
Shanelle Bailey, a 23-year-old Jamaican-born woman, living in Provo, Utah, was today sentenced by US District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 24 months in prison.
Bailey participated in a scheme where Jamaican-based scammers called elderly victims in the US, claiming the victims had won a lottery.
Bailey previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
To receive their winnings, the victims were told they must first pay money for taxes and fees.
According to a statement from the US Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, which handled the prosecution, Bailey's role in the scheme was to launder the fraudulent proceeds for fellow co-conspirators Jamaica.
The loss suffered by the victims exceeded US$600,000.
The US Attorney's Office encourages the public to be wary of similar scams and verify with law enforcement and family members before sending money after a phone solicitation.
As part of her sentence, Bailey will also be required to pay restitution for US$80,850 to the victims in the case.
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