Daniel Duran, Mail Fraud, Pennsylvania 2021

A sinister scam targeting elderly Americans has led to the downfall of two individuals: Daniel Duran, 33, of Jamaica, NY, and Jacqueline Velazquez, 37, of Reading, PA. The duo pleaded guilty to their role in a nationwide ‘Grandparents Scheme,’ which resulted in over $300,000 in losses for at least 50 victims.

The scheme, which took place from December 2018 through March 2020, involved co-schemers based in the Dominican Republic posing as grandchildren or their lawyers, informing victims of a vehicular accident and requesting money for medical, legal, or court expenses. The victims were instructed to send large amounts of cash to addresses allegedly identified by Duran and Velazquez, including addresses in Reading, PA.

Duran and Velazquez, who picked up the packages and shared the money with their co-schemers, were charged with seven counts of mail fraud in June 2021. The scheme’s brazen nature has left authorities and victims alike shaken.

Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams expressed outrage over the scheme, stating, ‘Schemes like this ‘Grandparents Scheme’ are particularly heinous because they prey on a senior’s love for their family.’ The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting seniors from fraud.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, in connection with the Reading Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Newcomer.

Duran and Velazquez’s guilty pleas bring an end to a chilling tale of elderly exploitation. As authorities continue to prioritize prosecuting those who prey on the vulnerable, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of financial scams.

Defendant information: Daniel Duran, 33, of Jamaica, NY; Jacqueline Velazquez, 37, of Reading, PA. Charges: Seven counts of mail fraud. Date: June 2021. Outcome: Plea agreement reached.

Related Federal Cases