Fraudster Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Scheme in Which She Defrauded Five Victims of More Than $1.2 Million

Some Elderly Victims Lost Their Retirement Savings

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Nely Rider, age 74, of Bowie, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by nine months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release, for wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud at least five individuals in Maryland, Virginia, and elsewhere, of a total of more than $1.285 million.  Judge Hazel also entered an order requiring Rider to forfeit and to pay restitution in the amount of $1,285,545.01.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

“This defendant took advantage of her victims’ generosity and lied to steal over a million dollars,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “The victims she preyed upon included the elderly, for whom the loss of retirement savings is particularly tragic.  The Justice Department is committed to bringing fraudsters like these to justice.”

According to Rider’s plea agreement, from December 2009 through May 2014, Rider defrauded five victims by falsely stating that an individual in Mexico, named Patricia, was in danger and needed assistance to travel to the United States.  Rider falsely stated that once “Patricia” was safely in the United States, she would have access to money to repay the victims.

Based on Rider’s false statements, the victims provided her with approximately $1,285,545.01, which she used at casinos and elsewhere for her personal benefit.  As a result of the fraud, some elderly victims lost their retirement savings.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.                  

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Grossi and David I. Salem, who prosecuted the case.