A New York City man has pleaded guilty to a scam that swindled 17 people nationwide out of thousands of dollars by scaring them about their grandchildren.
Allah Justice McQueen of Brooklyn entered the plea Monday in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy and wire fraud charges. A plea agreement recommends under two years in prison at his Nov. 2 sentencing.
McQueen admitted picking up money after co-conspirators telephoned victims in 2013, posing as lawyers or law enforcement.
The callers tricked victims by saying a grandchild had been arrested on a drug charge and needed thousands of dollars immediately to avoid prison.
Prosecutors say one 79-year-old victim sent $6,000 for bail after a caller claimed he was a police sergeant.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
