Atlanta Sweepstakes Scammer Ripped Off Rhode Island Senior Citizens: Feds

PROVIDENCE, RI — An Atlanta sweepstakes scammer ripped off Rhode Island residents through a "wide-ranging lottery" swindle, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Patrick Dallas, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

See also: East Greenwich Man Loses $2K To Scammers Spinning Tale Of $3,800 Russian Child Porn: Cops

Dallas swindled senior citizens from Rhode Island and other states out of at least $1 million, according to the release.

See also: Richmond Disturbance Leads To CT Man's Disorderly Conduct Arrest: Cops

Dallas and "two co-conspirators defrauded elderly individuals through a bogus 'Publishers Clearing House'" sweepstakes scam, then laundered their illicit proceeds "through entities and bank accounts they controlled," the release said.

See also: Exeter Couple Fraudulently Used Food Stamps: Cops

"Victims were told they had won large sums of money, often millions of dollars, in a PCH lottery or sweepstakes," the release said. "They were told that in order to collect their winnings, they were required to provide personal identifying information for prize verification purposes, and that they had to pay upfront fees or taxes. Some of the victims were directed to send money, gift cards, and/or high value items such as Rolex watches and iPhones, purportedly to cover these fees, to various addresses controlled by the defendants."

See also: Popular Mexican Restaurant Opening 1st Ever Rhode Island Location

Dallas' sentencing was scheduled for May 7.

See also: Rhode Island Sportsbook Bettors Overwhelmingly Loyal To New England Patriots