Man accused of being lottery scam kingpin to plead guilty
BISMARCK, N.D. — A Jamaican man accused of masterminding a lottery scam that victimized dozens of Americans out of millions of dollars has agreed to plead guilty in a deal with federal prosecutors in North Dakota.
The agreement signed by the defence and prosecutors on Friday calls for Lavrick Willocks to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy. Prosecutors will dismiss 65 other counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.
Defence attorney Joe A. Johnson did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment on why Willocks is choosing not to take to the case to trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Hochhalter was out of the office and not immediately available to comment. Court documents say “the United States was willing to offer certain terms favourable to defendant in exchange for finality” in a case that has dragged on more than five years.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland on Monday scheduled a change-of-plea hearing for July 27.