FBI Special Agent Frank Gasper and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Hochhalter, both of North Dakota, have identified more than 70 victims in the US during the Jamaica lottery scam probe. The main defendants are Sanjay Williams and Lavrick Willocks.
Prosecutors on several occasions have displayed a map that shows the range of scams allegedly led by Williams and Lavrick Willocks, a co-defendant whose operation is described as more accomplished and sophisticated than Williams’. It connects the dots between Williams’ and Willocks’ western Jamaican bases and the United States victims, spread out like an airline route map.
Williams is described by investigators primarily as a “lead broker” who bought and sold “sucker lists” of potential victims. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. He is the only one of 32 defendants to opt for trial. Eight defendants are awaiting extradition from Jamaica.
All told, about 20 victims are expected to appear before trial winds down at the end of this week.
