3 Accused Of Targeting Elderly With Sweepstakes Scam

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Three people from the Hamptons have been charged with running a cross-country sweepstakes scam that targeted the elderly.

The suspects tricked seven victims who thought they had won as much as $3.5 million in sweepstakes prizes into sending them more than $695,000 by mail or wire transfers, prosecutors said. The targets allegedly were told they needed to pay taxes and fees before collecting their prizes.

One of the suspects, Ana P. Leon, faces arraignment Tuesday on Long Island on charges of conspiracy and mail and wire fraud.

One victim was in his 90s and has since died, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

An attorney in the federal defender's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on behalf of Leon, also known as Ana P. Gonzalez.

Two other suspects are at large -- Sandra E. Leon, also known as Sandra E. Chavarria, and Ivan D. Pelaez.

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