Three Defendants Sentenced in Guam Federal Court for Role in $2.6 Million Inheritance Scam
One Nigerian National Indicted
FHAGATNA, Northern Mariana Islands — Three defendants were sentenced in the United States District Court of Guam for their involvement in an elaborate advance fee and money laundering scheme that defrauded over 60 Guam residents out of approximately $2.6 million.
Sentencings Announced by U.S. Attorney
Shawn N. Anderson, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced the sentencings. The defendants, who were members of the conspiracy, deceived Guam-based victims into sending bogus fees and expenses for a supposed multimillion-dollar inheritance before receiving any promised funds.
Sentences and Charges
- Sally Cruz Roberto, 56, of Santa Rita, Guam, was sentenced to:
- 33 months imprisonment
- Three years supervised release
- $1,030,990 in restitution
- A $3,900 mandatory assessment fee
- A $1,030,990 forfeiture money judgment
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 38 counts of wire fraud
- Monique Jones, 49, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to:
- 48 months imprisonment
- Three years supervised release
- $578,130 in restitution
- A $2,700 mandatory assessment fee
- A $1,111,280 forfeiture money judgment
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 25 counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
- Mekayda D. Jones, 24, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to:
- 36 months imprisonment
- Three years supervised release
- $387,160 in restitution
- A $1,600 mandatory assessment fee
- A $801,210 forfeiture money judgment
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
- Okechukwu F. Iwuji, 38, a Nigerian citizen, was sentenced to:
- 45 months imprisonment
- Three years supervised release
- $475,710 in restitution
- A $100 mandatory assessment fee
- A $475,710 forfeiture money judgment
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Background of the Scheme
The defendants transferred victim funds to U.S. and Nigerian bank accounts controlled by their co-conspirators. Roberto, as the primary receiver, transferred $1,030,990 from Guam victims’ accounts. Monique and her daughter, Mekayda, collaborated and maintained bank accounts in the names of shell corporations to receive, withdraw, and transfer victim funds to other co-conspirators, keeping at least 10% of the funds. Iwuji received at least $475,710 of victim funds and transferred some to third-party Nigerian bank accounts.
Restitution and Statements
“This extensive conspiracy tragically targeted nearly 60 innocent people living in Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “These types of scams are notoriously intricate and challenging to investigate and prosecute, as they frequently involve multiple jurisdictions and transnational activities. I commend the dedication, persistence, and collective efforts of the investigating agencies and prosecution team to secure the substantial restitution for defrauded individuals in this matter.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill added, “Fraudsters often rely on appealing yet implausible offers, and advance fee scams are no exception. Be warned, these types of inheritance schemes will be pursued by law enforcement and prosecuted rigorously.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Guam Resident Agency, with assistance from the FBI’s Dallas and Atlanta field offices, HSI Orlando, Florida, the U.S. Secret Service in Dallas, and the Guam Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Marivic P. David, the First Assistant United States Attorney and Criminal Chief for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Reporting Suspected Scams
The public is urged to contact the FBI at (800) 225-5324 (CALL-FBI) or report scams to tips.fbi.gov if they believe they have been defrauded.