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Javon Jonathan Spencer Charged in Ohio Sweepstakes Scheme
A Jamaican national has been charged in connection with a sweepstakes scheme that targeted older Americans in Northern Ohio and elsewhere, resulting in the theft of over $250,000, according to U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan.
Javon Jonathan Spencer, 30, whose last known address was in Euclid, Ohio, was indicted on five counts related to the scheme, which allegedly occurred from March 2018 to April 2019.
According to the indictment, Spencer’s co-conspirator would contact victims and falsely claim that they had won a prize through the lottery, sweepstakes, or other contest. The co-conspirator would then inform the victim that an upfront fee or tax was required to collect the full amount.
In one instance, the indictment alleges that in June 2018, a co-conspirator called a victim and claimed that the victim had won money in a sweepstakes and, to collect the full amount, had to pay $4,500 to Spencer as a fee. The victim then mailed the fee to Spencer as directed, and Spencer deposited the funds into his bank account.
As a result of the scheme, it is alleged that the conspiracy members caused a total combined loss of more than $250,000 from victims.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Spencer’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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