Timeshare Scam Artist Toner Admits Fraud

CAMDEN, N.J. – Another cog in a ruthless scheme targeting vulnerable seniors has fallen. James Toner, a/k/a “Jason Turner,” a/k/a “James Turner,” a/k/a “Jason Thomas,” 43, of Lake Mary, Florida, admitted today to bilking timeshare owners out of their money through a complex telemarketing fraud. Toner pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to Counts One and Two of a 13-count Indictment: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud itself. The scheme ran rampant from 2016 to 2020, preying on those over the age of 55.

Toner isn’t acting alone. He was originally indicted alongside William O’Hanlon, a/k/a “Patrick Burns,” a/k/a “William Burns,” 61, Karen Stefanowski, 63, and William Chiusano, Jr., then-48, of Laguna Niguel, California. Chiusano is now deceased, and the charges against him were dropped. O’Hanlon and Stefanowski previously copped pleas before Judge Williams on May 9, 2025, and April 30, 2025, respectively, acknowledging their roles in the fraudulent operation. This wasn’t a quick hustle; it was a years-long systematic abuse of trust.

The scope of the scam is becoming clear. Alex Klemash, 32, of Williamstown, New Jersey, Michael Lambe, 45, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and La’Tresa Jackson, 59, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, have also confessed to their involvement, pleading guilty before Judge Williams on March 8, 9, and 13, 2023, respectively. All living defendants involved in the 2016-2020 telemarketing scheme have now admitted guilt. This is a complete takedown, but the damage is already done.

According to court documents, Toner operated as a manager and supervisor within WILLIAMS ANDREWS BURNS LLC, RESORT BNB, INC., and WILLIAMS & BURNS, INC. (collectively “WAB”). From October 2016 through October 2020, Toner and his co-conspirators systematically targeted timeshare owners, promising phony services. They cold-called victims, offering to rent or buy timeshares under false pretenses, and falsely promising recovery of funds from previous scams – all for hefty upfront fees. The Conspirators obtained lists of timeshare owners and their contact information to conduct this criminal activity.

The lies were blatant. Conspirators falsely claimed timeshare owners possessed “bonus” weeks that WAB would rent, guaranteeing substantial income. Once victims paid for these nonexistent rental services, they were then pitched further scams – “collections” services promising refunds for prior fraudulent schemes, again for a fee. The entire operation was built on deception. Toner’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025. Expect more sentencing dates to follow.

Here’s a rundown of the upcoming sentencing schedule: La’Tresa Jackson – September 25, 2025; Alex Klemash – September 23, 2025; Michael Lambe – September 30, 2025; William O’Hanlon – September 24, 2025; Karen Stefanowski – September 4, 2025; and James Toner – December 2, 2025. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced these guilty pleas today, signaling a clear message: preying on seniors won’t be tolerated. This case serves as a stark reminder to timeshare owners to be wary of unsolicited calls promising easy money.