NEW ORLEANS, LA – A Jamaican national studying at Southern University has been slapped with federal charges in a sweeping elder fraud conspiracy. ALEX SAUNDERS, 26, was charged August 3, 2018, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The feds allege that between 2013 and 2015, Saunders knowingly acted as a key link in a scheme orchestrated by Andre Bowyer and other unnamed co-conspirators. The operation preyed on elderly and mentally diminished individuals, conning them out of their savings through false promises and deceptive tactics. Victims were tricked into sending funds via U.S. mail, private carriers, and electronic transfers directly to Saunders, Debra Krom, and other members of the criminal network.
Once the ill-gotten gains landed in Saunders’ possession, he allegedly didn’t hesitate. Instead of reporting the suspicious activity, the indictment claims he knowingly and intentionally funneled the stolen money to bank accounts in Jamaica controlled by Bowyer. This makes Saunders more than just a passive recipient; investigators believe he played a vital role in laundering the fraudulent funds and shielding the masterminds from prosecution.
The investigation, a joint effort by the U.S. Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, suggests a sophisticated operation targeting vulnerable Americans. While the specifics of the initial con remain largely under wraps, the focus now is on unraveling the entire network and bringing all those responsible to justice. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the number of victims and the total amount of money involved.
If convicted, SAUNDERS faces a stiff penalty: up to five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to point out that the charges are merely allegations, and Saunders is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is prosecuting the case.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the latest updates on this brazen attempt to defraud vulnerable citizens. The Eastern District of Louisiana has seen a spike in elder fraud cases, and federal investigators are vowing to crack down on these predatory schemes. This case serves as a stark reminder to check on elderly relatives and report any suspicious financial activity.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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