Blind Woman Swindled: Jamaican Lottery Scam Lands Murray in Court

ALBANY, NY – A 22-year-old Jamaican citizen, Daron Murray, admitted guilt yesterday to charges of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, capping a grim chapter in a long-running lottery scam that preyed on vulnerable elderly Americans. The scheme, originating in Jamaica, systematically targeted seniors with promises of massive lottery winnings, only to drain their bank accounts with bogus fees and taxes.

The bust was announced by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, alongside Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (Boston Division), and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office. The combined investigation exposed a network of fraudsters operating across international borders, exploiting the trust and desperation of their victims.

Court documents reveal that between December 2012 and October 2014, Murray and his co-conspirators ran a classic advance-fee scheme. Victims were falsely told they’d won a lottery – often the New York Lottery – and that a hefty payment was required upfront to cover taxes and processing fees before the winnings could be released. The cruelty of the operation was particularly evident in the case of a 92-year-old blind woman from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Murray repeatedly contacted the victim from Jamaica, convincing her to send $20,000 to an accomplice in Albany, New York, under the pretense of securing her multi-million dollar prize.

This wasn’t a one-off. Investigators believe Murray and his crew targeted numerous elderly individuals across the United States, systematically stripping them of their life savings. The scam relied on persistent phone calls, manipulative tactics, and the inherent vulnerability of its targets. The $20,000 taken from the Massachusetts victim represents only a fraction of the total amount stolen by the group.

Murray now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. He’s looking at up to 20 years behind bars, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a hefty $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2017, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, who will consider statutory guidelines and other factors when determining the final punishment. The sentencing is a reminder that these crimes, while often targeting the elderly, carry serious federal penalties.

The case was spearheaded by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant United States Attorney Sean O’Dowd handling the prosecution. This conviction sends a clear message: those who prey on the elderly and exploit international channels to commit fraud will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.