Nine More Lottery Scam Defendants Sentenced

Contact Person: Eric Klumb (843) 727-4381

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that nine more defendants were sentenced for their roles in a bogus lottery scam that targeted elderly victims around the country, by notifying them that they had won a lottery or sweepstakes, but needed to pay fees or taxes in advance in order to receive their winnings.  A total of 18 individuals were indicted in the case; three other defendants had previously been sentenced. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, citing the devastating impact on the more than 150 victims of the scam, imposed the following prison terms: Wayne Duffus, 30, of Little River, 156 months; LeGrant Allen, 30, of Charlotte, NC, 15 months; Lorenzo Samuels, 28, of Riverdale, Georgia, 24 months; Denisha Robinson, 27, of Little River, 21 months; Johnte Vereen, 32, of Conway, 19 months; Cameo West, 27, of Little River, 5 months plus 5 months home detention; Jaclyn Freeman, 24, of Little River, 6 months plus 6 months home detention; Kimesha Lewis, 28, of Wilkesboro, NC, 5 months plus 5 months home detention; and Damion McLeish, 34, of North Myrtle Beach, 15 months.  Each was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $839,827.

The case was investigated by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).  Assistant United States Attorneys A. Bradley Parham and Eric Klumb are prosecuting the case.

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