Feds: Missouri Woman Behind Huge Sweepstakes Scheme

A Missouri woman has arrested by feds who have accused her of being in the middle of a huge lottery and sweepstakes scheme that cost victims more than $2 million dollars.

The United States Postal Inspection Service has accused a 79-year-old Missouri woman of a huge sweepstakes and lottery fraud scheme

In a press release just shared by the United States Postal Inspection Service, it says Sharon Dolisi, 79, of St. James, Missouri has been accused of felony mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and wire fraud. They say she was a part of an effort to convince victims they had won the Mega Millions lottery or the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. She allegedly told victims that they needed to pay her thousands of dollars for taxes and fees and then they would receive their winnings. The total taken from victims is said to be at least $2.1 million dollars overall.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting U.S. Postal Service employees. We value our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth M. Mendonça of the Postal Inspection Service’s Chicago Division.

The charges were filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri. They emphasize that the charges do not mean guilt until that is determined in a court of law.