Seven Quebecers had been arrested and accused of taking part in a grandparent-style fraud within the state of Vermont, American authorities introduced Friday.
• Additionally learn: Grandparent fraud: 25 Canadians charged in Vermont
• Additionally learn: After killing two men in 27 years, a Montrealer accused of defrauding seniors
The seven people had been arrested in Canada the day earlier than, the federal prosecutor’s workplace for the District of Vermont mentioned in a press launch. They’re accused of taking part in a $28 million fraud in opposition to seniors, often called “grandparent fraud,” throughout greater than 41 U.S. states.
The Journal had reported that certainly one of them, Glen Crossleyappeared on the Montreal courthouse. The 56-year-old has additionally been behind bars prior to now for killing two folks, together with an Olympic champion.
Inventory Photograph BEN PELOSSE
“These fees comply with a separate indictment in opposition to 25 different defendants, together with Gareth West,” American authorities mentioned.
The defendants engaged within the fraud between summer season 2021 and June 4, 2024, based on the indictment made public Thursday. It will contain phone calls made to name facilities situated in Better Montreal.
In accordance with authorities, they posed as members of the family, usually as grandchildren. They claimed to be in custody following a automotive accident and wanted cash to pay bail. Typically, they even pretended to be the lawyer for this cherished one in issue.
If the defendants are discovered responsible, they withstand 20 years in jail.
Right here is the listing of the seven Quebecers accused:
- Evangelos Lohaitis, alias « Bucky » (36 ans, Saint-Eustache)
- Mitchell Burnett-Guarna, aka « Juice » (39 years, Dorval)
- Kyle Lesser, aka “Brock” (34 years previous, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot)
- Luca Santalucia, alias « Rocco » (27 years, Montreal)
- Glen Crossley, aka “Persuasion” (56, Kirkland)
- Cody Jodouin-King, aka “Lids” (28 years previous, Vaudreuil-Dorion)
- Panagiota Fountotos, alias “Nike” (29 years, Laval)
Along with these seven Quebecers, 25 different folks had been arrested for a similar fraud final March.
