Jamaican Pleads Guilty in Fake Lottery Scheme
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - An individual found in Farmington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Junior Winston Powell, 32, formerly from Jamaica, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Powell was involved in laundering the proceeds of an advanced fee scheme whereby persons are deceived into believing that they have won the lottery.
Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Aug. 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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 Powell.
