Texas Woman Krom Sentenced in Lottery Scam

NEW ORLEANS – Debra Krom, 47, of Wylie, Texas, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced yesterday for her part in a cold-hearted lottery scam that preyed on the elderly and those with diminished capacity. U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced the sentencing, marking a victory – however small – in a fight against fraudsters who target the most vulnerable among us.

Court documents paint a grim picture: between August 2013 and December 2015, Krom and her co-conspirators systematically contacted victims via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone calls. The pitch? A fabricated story of winning a lottery, contingent on paying upfront “fees” to claim the nonexistent prize. These fees were solicited through cash, checks, wire transfers, and other means – draining the life savings of unsuspecting individuals.

The scheme wasn’t just about deception; it was about calculated theft. Once the funds hit Krom’s accounts – delivered via the U.S. mail, private carriers, or electronic transfer – she and her accomplices, knowingly and intentionally, funneled the stolen money to bank accounts in Jamaica. This international component adds another layer of complexity and underscores the reach of these criminal enterprises.

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance delivered the sentence: 12 months and one day imprisonment, followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Judge Vance also ordered Krom to pay restitution totaling $75,928 – a fraction of the likely total losses suffered by the victims, but a step towards accountability. It’s a pittance considering the emotional and financial devastation inflicted.

U.S. Attorney Strasser rightly lauded the collaborative investigation led by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Homeland Security. These agencies worked tirelessly to untangle the web of deceit and bring Krom to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman skillfully prosecuted the case, navigating the complexities of interstate and international fraud.

This case serves as a stark reminder: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Elderly individuals and those with diminished capacity are particularly vulnerable to these scams. Report any suspicious solicitations to the authorities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and expose the predators who prey on the innocent, one sentence at a time.