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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Rhode Island woman accused of funneling lottery scam money between the U.S. and Jamaica through her airline job has lost her battle in federal court in North Dakota to have evidence suppressed.
Melinda Bulgin, of Providence, Rhode Island, argued that her rights to have an attorney present and to not incriminate herself were violated when she was questioned by authorities in both countries three years ago.
Bulgin worked as a customer service representative for Delta Air Lines and was able to travel at minimal cost, according to prosecutors. The interrogations occurred after she was flagged as a suspicious traveler at the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and found to have nearly $15,000 in her handbag that she hadn't declared to customs officials, violating that country's laws.
Prosecutors argued Bulgin has had criminal justice training at Pace University in New York, contradicting her assertion that she was confused about her legal rights. They also contended that she wasn't entitled to U.S. Constitution protections in Jamaica, and that during interrogations on U.S. soil she was made aware of her rights and didn't "unequivocally" request an attorney.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland in an order dated Wednesday sided with prosecutors, saying "it is doubtful Bulgin was actually confused about her rights."
Defense attorney Kevin Chapman in a written statement to The Associated Press on Thursday said he believes there is enough evidence that authorities mishandled the interrogations to warrant suppressing Bulgin's statements.
The government calls Bulgin "not a minor player" in what is believed to be the first large-scale Jamaican lottery scam tried in U.S. courts. The suspects are accused of calling victims about bogus lottery winnings, persuading them to send advance fees to receive the purported winnings, then keeping the money without paying out anything to the victims.
The alleged scheme began to unravel when a woman in North Dakota lost her life savings of more than $300,000 in 2011. At least 90 Americans lost a total of more than $5.7 million, according to the government.
A federal investigation resulted in conspiracy, fraud and money laundering charges against 27 people. All have pleaded guilty or been convicted except Bulgin and two other suspects who weren't captured in Jamaica until February. The three are scheduled for trial beginning Sept. 10.
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