Jamaican Admits Laundering Money through Fake Lottery Scheme
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -An individual found in Farmington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Christopher Brown, 26, formerly from Jamaica, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jeffery Augustus Bernard, Junior Winston Powell, Michaelee Fitz-Andy Jamieson, Sylvester Howard Williams, and Christopher Brown were involved in laundering the proceeds of an advanced fee scheme whereby persons are deceived into believing that they have won the lottery.
Judge Cohill has not scheduled the sentencing. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christopher Brown.
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