A Jamaican man who led a widespread fraudulent lottery scheme targeting elderly Americans has been sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Antony Linton Stewart, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Conrad in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 27, 2024. Stewart was also ordered to pay over $1.1 million in restitution for the financial harm caused by his elaborate scam.
According to court documents, Stewart masterminded the fraudulent operation, which ran from 2010 through at least 2016, from his home country of Jamaica. He and his co-conspirators targeted U.S. victims, particularly older individuals, through phone calls claiming they had won a lottery or sweepstakes prize. The catch? In order to receive their supposed winnings, victims were told they needed to pay fees and taxes upfront. Stewart and his team relentlessly contacted victims, coaxing them into sending more money, even though no lottery existed and no one ever received any prize.
“Stealing money from elderly individuals is a despicable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. “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 has ramped up efforts to combat fraudulent lottery schemes, especially those originating from Jamaica, which often prey on vulnerable U.S. citizens. These types of scams have become a persistent issue, with fraudsters exploiting the trust of elderly victims for financial gain.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division echoed this sentiment, stating, “Overseas lottery schemes are unfortunately a common means by which foreign criminals seek to target U.S. citizens, particularly elder Americans. Such schemes are unacceptable, and the Department will hold accountable those who participate in them.”
Stewart’s arrest and extradition were made possible through cooperation between U.S. law enforcement and Jamaican authorities. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Ryan E. Norman of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.
In addition to his prison sentence, Stewart’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims of his scheme, many of whom lost their life savings. Victims and their families can report financial fraud and seek assistance through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, which provides support for those who have been targeted by fraudsters.
Stewart’s conviction marks another win for authorities working to dismantle fraudulent schemes that exploit vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the continued need for vigilance in protecting older Americans from financial crimes.
