Cape Cod Woman Tricked The Elderly In Lottery Scheme: Feds

HYANNIS, MA – A Hyannis woman pleaded guilty in federal court last week to her role in a fake lottery scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Ashley Barrett, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

Federal authorities said between September 2013 and January 2016, Barrett and others defrauded elderly people across the country by claiming they had won millions of dollars in a lottery. The victims were told that in order to receive their winnings, they had to make payments to specific addresses, the USAO said.

In July 2015, one person mailed Barrett a check for $2,500, which she deposited into one of her bank accounts, according to the USAO.

The charging statute for mail fraud carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26.

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