Jamaican Lottery Scam: Another Suspect Charged, Among 15 Total

BISMARCK, ND — Another suspect in a Jamaican lottery scam was arrested and charged in North Dakota federal court for allegedly bilking mostly elderly Americans out of millions of dollars.

Akil Gray is among 15 suspects charged with conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. He was recently arrested in Jamaica after being on the run more than a year, prosecutors said. At least 90 people lost a total of more than $5.7 million in the scam, authorities said, including a North Dakota woman who lost her life savings.

The supposed masterminded in the scheme pleaded guilty to conspiracy last month. Another suspect is slated to plead guilty in October. Nine suspects have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial, while another suspect is awaiting extradition in Jamaica. Still two others remain fugitives.(For more information on the lottery scam and other North Dakota stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

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