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Jamaican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Scheme
Darryl Cleon Forbes, a 26-year-old Jamaican citizen, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal court in Jacksonville, Florida.
Forbes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, although a sentencing date has yet to be set. According to court documents, Forbes participated in a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme that targeted victims throughout the United States, many of whom were elderly.
Between 2015 and 2017, Forbes and his co-conspirators called victims and posed as federal law enforcement agents, advising them that they had to pay taxes and fees amounting to tens of thousands of dollars to collect a significant cash prize in a sweepstakes contest.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Forbes and others collected between $2.5 and $3.5 million from their victims. The scheme originated in Jamaica and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Jay Taylor is prosecuting the case. The guilty plea is a significant blow to the scheme, which preyed on vulnerable individuals and resulted in significant financial losses.
Forbes’ guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or emails, especially those that ask for money or personal information.
The case highlights the need for vigilance and education in preventing and detecting scams that target the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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