BOSTON – A Jamaican national living in Malden was sentenced yesterday in federal court for scamming a Texas woman out of more than $120,000.
Kemal Barnes, 34, convinced the woman that she had won millions of dollars in lottery prizes, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. In April, Barnes pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
In September 2015, Barnes contacted the Texas woman about the fake lottery prize and informed her that she was required to send cash payments to “Mary Jones” and “Kenneth Wilson” in Malden. Barnes claimed the payments, totaling more than $120,000, were for lottery taxes and fees.
After the payments were made, the victim’s son contacted law enforcement, leading to a two-month investigation and Barnes’ eventual arrest.
Barnes was sentenced to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $118,367. He is also subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence.