Man pleads guilty in $30M mail scam targeting elderly
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A New York man has pleaded guilty in a direct-mail scam that stole more than $30 million from the elderly and others by promoting non-existent prizes.
Federal prosecutors say that for six years, Shaun Sullivan, of Merrick, and the scam's ringleader, Tully Lovisa, of Huntington Station, convinced mail recipients to send fees of $20 to $25 to claim prizes.
At most, the victims got back a $1 check.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
According to Newsday , shell companies and aliases were used to disguise the men's involvement and mailings were signed by non-existent people with official-sounding titles.
Sullivan pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
He faces up to 20 years in prison.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Lovisa pleaded guilty in October to similar charges and awaits sentencing.
___
Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com