Deeno Jackson, a 27-year-old Jamaican national, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Tucson on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The indictment stems from allegations that Jackson and his associates orchestrated a fraudulent scheme targeting elderly individuals across Arizona and the United States.
According to the charging documents, the scheme involved contacting victims under false pretenses, sometimes posing as federal agents. Victims were informed they had won prizes such as cash or vehicles but were required to pay fees or taxes to claim their winnings. The money collected was allegedly retained by Jackson and his co-conspirators. Notably, one victim in Arizona reportedly lost over $400,000 due to this scam.
Wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each carry potential penalties of up to twenty years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
It is important to note that an indictment serves as a formal charge for criminal activity but does not imply guilt. Defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office led the investigation into this case, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona in Tucson is responsible for prosecuting it.
