Rushmore State News

A Jamaican national has pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud charges related to a scheme that defrauded a California woman of more than $181,000. Dwayne Anderson, 35, from Hannover, Jamaica, entered his plea on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota.

Anderson was arrested by Jamaican authorities on July 11, 2024, following a U.S. indictment. He was extradited to the United States in August 2024 and has remained in custody since then.

According to court documents and Anderson’s plea agreement, he participated in a scheme from at least 2010 until September 2017. Using false identities, Anderson contacted the victim through phone calls, text messages, and emails. He told her she had won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes and convinced her to send money for supposed fees and taxes associated with her winnings. The victim sent payments as instructed but never received any prize money.

“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting Americans from the threats posed by transnational criminals and will vigorously pursue them, wherever they are located,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Anderson is the latest example in the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat these kinds of foreign based schemes and hold those involved accountable.”

“Americans are increasingly falling victim to devastating fraud schemes perpetrated by transnational criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “Whether it happens in a rural community or a metropolitan area, the Department of Justice will ensure these criminals are held to account for their shameless targeting of vulnerable individuals and their hard-earned savings.”

“If you target vulnerable Americans with schemes designed to steal their hard-earned money, you will become our target,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the USPIS Criminal Investigations Group. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service knows no boundaries when it comes to protecting our communities. We will find you, we will stop you, and we will hold you accountable.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with support from law enforcement partners in Jamaica who assisted with Anderson's arrest and extradition process.

Prosecution is being handled by attorneys from both the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.

Victims age 60 or older who have experienced financial fraud can seek assistance through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline provides support services including assessment of needs and connection with appropriate agencies.

Further information about consumer protection efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch; details about elder justice initiatives are available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice; information regarding activities within South Dakota can be accessed at www.justice.gov/usao-sd.