Жители Флориды задержаны по подозрению в мошенничестве с выигрышами Publishers Clearing House

Florida couple detained in alleged Publishers Clearing House scam targeting elderly victim WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING CO. (WOLF) — A Florida couple will remain in federal custody while awaiting trial on charges related to an alleged Publishers Clearing House scam that prosecutors say targeted elderly victims. Ceyon Calvert, 43, and Christal Calvert, 38, both of Pembroke Pines, Florida, were arrested by federal agents in Florida on June 28 on charges of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors allege the Calverts participated in a wide-ranging scheme that continued through April 2026 and targeted elderly victims with false claims that they had won multimillion-dollar Publishers Clearing House prizes. According to the indictment, participants in the alleged scheme told victims they needed to provide tens of thousands of dollars in upfront taxes and fees before they could collect their purported winnings. Prosecutors allege the money was then directed to other participants in the scheme. The Calverts were arraigned Wednesday in federal court and pleaded not guilty. U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean A. Camoni ordered both defendants detained pending trial. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in federal prison, along with supervised release and a fine. Any sentence would ultimately be determined by a federal judge. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting.