Federal authorities charge Coral Springs man in $3.5 million sweepstakes fraud targeting seniors

Federal prosecutors have charged Evans Class Brown, 27, of Coral Springs, as part of a wide-ranging sweepstakes fraud operation that victimized more than 100 people, with a substantial portion being elderly Americans. Court documents reviewed Monday reveal Brown is among nine suspects facing federal counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering stemming from the scheme.

According to a March news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston, South Carolina, where the prosecution is proceeding, the conspiracy involves Charleston residents Kemar Christopher Edwards, 28; Xavier Gordon, 25; Warner Gordon, 27; and Kevin Milton Simpson, 30. Two additional suspects include Tashagae Narcia Leslie, 25, of Orlando, and Justine Danielle Smith, 34, who was arrested in Connecticut in June, along with co-defendant Marcia Minora Lawrence.

The scam operated by convincing victims they had won sweepstakes prizes but needed to pay taxes and fees before collecting their winnings, authorities said. Victims transferred money via mail or wire, after which the group allegedly laundered the funds and diverted portions to co-conspirators operating in Jamaica while retaining additional proceeds.

Brown was arrested Wednesday and remains detained at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail facility in Fort Lauderdale pending extradition to South Carolina. Prosecutors indicate victims collectively lost more than $3.5 million, and convicted defendants could face decades of imprisonment.