Florida Sheriff Confronts Suspect in $35,000 Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly Woman

A Florida sheriff personally greeted one of the suspects in a lottery scam at Daytona Beach International Airport, confronting her over a scheme that stole $35,000 from an 85-year-old woman.

Shania Baptiste was extradited from New York to Florida in connection with the fraud, which drained an elderly Daytona Beach resident of her life savings, according to reports from Fox 35 Orlando and WFTV Channel 9.

Media captured the moment as Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood met Baptiste at the airport.

"Shania, I am Sheriff Chitwood, and I want to let you know that we protect our seniors in this community. That’s why you’re here," Chitwood told her before she was handcuffed and taken to jail. "I hope you enjoy your stay here. Welcome to Florida."

Baptiste responded by claiming innocence, saying, "I’m sorry for the crime that was committed, but it was not me."

Baptiste and her alleged accomplice, Neilson Brooks, face charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft over $20,000. Brooks was also booked into the Volusia County Jail but posted bond and was released within three hours.

The scam began when con artists told the elderly victim she had won $1 million through a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. To claim her prize, they said, she needed to wire $20,000 to cover taxes and fees.

When she attempted to transfer the money at her local bank, tellers warned her it could be a scam. Undeterred, the fraudsters persuaded her to visit another bank and provide a cover story—that the funds were intended for a family member’s home repairs. After successfully wiring the money, the scammers demanded even more, ultimately stealing $35,000 in total.

This method fits a common pattern: scammers build trust with elderly victims, claim they’ve won prizes, then pressure them into paying upfront fees. Victims are often coached on how to lie to bank employees to avoid detection.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has recovered $20,000 so far and returned it to the victim. Officials hope the remaining amount can also be recovered, depending on the outcome of the trial.

Sheriff Chitwood emphasized the need for vigilance: wiring money to unknown parties is risky, as funds are nearly impossible to retrieve once sent. Seniors and their families are urged to stay alert for common fraud tactics and report suspicious activity immediately.


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