A United States federal judge has sentenced a Jamaican citizen to seven years in prison for orchestrating a fraudulent lottery scamming scheme that targeted elderly Americans.
Linton Stewart, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Conrad in the Western District of North Carolina. Stewart had previously pleaded guilty on August 3, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay restitution amounting to US$1,104,041.74.
Court documents revealed that Stewart led the scheme from approximately 2010 through at least August 2016. Along with his co-conspirators, he contacted elderly individuals in the U.S., falsely informing them that they had won sweepstakes or lottery prizes. Victims were then instructed to send money to cover supposed fees and taxes on their winnings. Stewart repeatedly targeted victims, persuading them to send additional payments, even though no lottery or prize actually 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.”
The Justice Department emphasized that Stewart’s prosecution is part of its broader effort to collaborate with federal and international law enforcement agencies to dismantle fraudulent lottery schemes operating in 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 with Jamaican law enforcement authorities to facilitate Stewart’s arrest and extradition.
Officials 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.
