Eastham woman indicted in connection with $4.5M international lottery scam

An Eastham woman was indicted in federal court in western Pennsylvania in connection with a $4.5 million international lottery scam targeting older people, according to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Western Pennsylvania.

Nicole Lamont, 30, was indicted on March 27 on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a press release. Three other people related to the scam were indicted, including Yonel Burnelt, 28, of Jamaica, Omar McKenzie, 34, of Launderdale Lakes, Florida, and Shemeca Shields, 29, of East Hartford, Connecticut.

The most recent charges are related to those announced in December 2023 naming seven other co-conspirators, three of whom were extradited from Jamaica. Those seven were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Lamont and others are alleged to be members of a fraud scheme that stole more than $4.5 million from older people in western Pennsylvania and other parts of the U.S., according to the release.

The scheme involved calling victims, telling them they won million- or multi-million dollar sweepstakes, and would have to pay a tax or fee to claim their prize, according to the release. Victims were directed to send money, in cash, checks and money orders, to members of the conspiracy, including Lamont. The money was moved to multiple banks before being withdrawn by members of the conspiracy living in Jamaica, according to the U.S. Attorney. Forged documents used by members of the scheme sometimes included seals of government agencies.

The maximum sentence for Lamont and other member of the scheme is up to 20 years in prison, or a fine up to twice the amount lost by any victim, or both.

Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at DNikfardjam@gannett.com.

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