Related Federal Cases
Five Indicted in Nationwide Grandparent Scam
INDIANAPOLIS – In a brazen scheme that targeted the elderly, five defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a nationwide ‘grandparent scam’ that swindled over $683,000 from 68 unsuspecting victims.
The defendants, identified as Darlens Renard, 31, of North Lauderdale, Florida, Jasaun Pope, 30, of Valley Stream, New York, Princess Elizer, 30, of Dallas, Georgia, Jennifer Glemeau, 28, of Marietta, Georgia, and Kareem Brown, 30, of North Baldwin, New York, each pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering charges.
According to court documents, the defendants and their co-conspirators targeted seniors across the country, exploiting their love for their family members to induce them to send thousands of dollars to ‘help’ in emergency situations. The callers, who often claimed to be attorneys, police officers, or other authority figures, convinced the victims to send overnight packages of cash to addresses provided by the defendants.
The defendants then retrieved the cash, took their cut of the proceeds, and shared the remaining amount with their co-conspirators. One victim, an 82-year-old woman from Crawfordsville, Indiana, was swindled out of $12,500 after being told her daughter was in an accident and needed money urgently.
Each defendant was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to the victims and will serve between one and three years of supervised release following their release from prison. The Metro Drug Task Force, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and state and local law enforcement partners.
The scheme, which lasted for approximately 11 months, highlights the vulnerabilities of older Americans and the need for increased vigilance in preventing such scams. ‘These scams ruthlessly exploited older Americans and their concern for their loved ones,’ said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
The sentences handed down are a significant blow to the defendants and their associates, who will now face the consequences of their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable citizens from financial exploitation and ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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