A Jamaican man accused of masterminding a lottery scam that bilked dozens of Americans out of millions of dollars has a plea bargain in a deal with federal prosecutors in North Dakota.
The agreement signed by the defense and prosecutors on July 14, calls for Lavrick Willocks to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy. Prosecutors have agreed to vacate 65 other counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering
Court documents say “the United States was willing to offer certain terms favorable to defendant in exchange for finality” in a case that has dragged on more than five years.
A change-of-plea hearing and sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Willocks faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years, though prosecutors in court documents say they will recommend a shorter term in return for Willocks’ admission of guilt. They did not list an exact recommendation.
Accused to pay restitution
The government also will recommend Willocks pay restitution. Authorities say the scam fleeced at least 90 mostly elderly Americans out of more than $5.7 million.
Fifteen people are charged. Ten suspects, including Willocks, have been extradited to North Dakota and pleaded not guilty, with trial scheduled to begin January 22, 2018. Court documents does not specify whether Willocks has agreed to testify against his co-defendants, or whether plea deals might be in the works for them, as well.
Two more suspects in custody
Two of the remaining five suspects are in custody in Jamaica awaiting extradition, and three remain at large.
The case began in North Dakota in 2012 when authorities started investigating after a Harvey woman lost her life savings of more than $300,000 to scam artists the previous year. The probe involves the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Authorities have dubbed the case “Operation Hard Copy,” a reference to lists of prospective victims’ contact information used by scammers.
