Related Federal Cases
‘Grandparent Scam’ Ring Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy
A brazen scheme has been exposed, with eight defendants indicted for their alleged roles in a federal racketeering conspiracy.
The indictment alleges the defendants were members and associates of a criminal enterprise that defrauded elderly Americans by making them falsely believe that a grandchild (or other close relative) was in trouble and needed their help.
The elderly victims each paid thousands to tens of thousands of dollars to the criminal organization in this scheme, with the defendants swindling more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation.
The perpetrators contacted elderly Americans by telephone and impersonated a grandchild, other close relative, or friend of the victim, falsely convincing them that their relatives were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, medical expenses for car accident victims, or to prevent additional charges from being filed.
Six defendants have been arrested – Timothy Ingram aka Bleezy, 29, of North Hollywood, California; Anajah Gifford, 23, of North Hollywood, California; Joaquin Lopez, 45, of Hollywood, Florida; Jack Owuor, 24, of Paramount, California; Tracy Glinton, 34, of Orlando, Florida; and Lyda Harris, 73, of Laveen, Arizona – while two additional defendants, Tracy Adrine Knowles, 29, and Adonis Alexis Butler Wong, 29, who each resided in Florida during the alleged offense, have also been charged.
“These defendants were part of a large network of individuals that systematically targeted elderly Americans by preying on their concern for loved ones,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Arun Rao for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
The case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was officially launched in February 2020 and is believed to be the first comprehensive effort to combat elder fraud in the area.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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