SUN CITY CENTER, FL – A 92-year-old resident of Sun City Center has fallen victim to a romance scam, losing nearly $800,000 to a man posing as a potential love interest. Otis Swinton Jr., 37, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud after allegedly orchestrating the scheme from prison.
Authorities report that Swinton, who has a history of financial crimes, managed to contact the elderly man while serving time for previous fraud convictions. In 2019, Swinton was convicted of defrauding over 50 people, primarily senior citizens, out of more than $1 million by convincing them to mail their credit cards under the guise of resolving fraudulent charges.
While behind bars, Swinton reportedly posed as a woman online, engaging the victim in a fabricated romance. The elderly man, residing in an assisted living facility, was reportedly seeking companionship and fell prey to the scam. The victim transferred funds from his retirement account into a regular bank account, which Swinton and his accomplices then drained using cryptocurrency transfers, peer-to-peer services, and ATMs.
Swinton was apprehended in Orlando shortly after being released from prison. He was caught using the victim’s ATM card, just days after completing his sentence for the previous fraud charges. Law enforcement officials believe Swinton had accomplices and are investigating the possibility of additional victims.
The case highlights the vulnerability of isolated seniors to online scams, as well as the lengths to which some criminals will go to exploit them. Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they may have been victimized by Swinton or similar schemes to come forward.
Swinton faces numerous fraud charges and could receive additional charges as the investigation continues. If convicted, he may face a lengthy prison sentence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from scams that prey on their desire for connection.
As investigators work to uncover the full extent of Swinton’s activities, the community is reminded to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.