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CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — A New York man has pleaded guilty in a direct-mail scam that stole more than $30 million from the elderly and others by promoting non-existent prizes.
Federal prosecutors say that for six years, Shaun Sullivan, of Merrick, and the scam's ringleader, Tully Lovisa, of Huntington Station, convinced mail recipients to send fees of $20 to $25 to claim prizes.
At most, the victims got back a $1 check.
According to Newsday , shell companies and aliases were used to disguise the men's involvement and mailings were signed by non-existent people with official-sounding titles.
Sullivan pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Lovisa pleaded guilty in October to similar charges and awaits sentencing.
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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com
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