The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office sought the public’s help Friday in locating additional victims of a lottery scam.
Maria Luisa Henao, 42, is accused of scamming elderly Latino women out by claiming she had a $1 million winning lotto ticket, which she was unable to cash due to immigration issues.
Prosecutors allege Henao would use one or two accomplices to corroborate the story, including one person who would pose as a lawyer and claim the ticket could be cashed.
The suspect then allegedly asked the victims for $20,000. She promised to pay their money back, plus an additional $10,000 for their assistance.
Henao faces felony charges that include theft from an elder, grand theft of personal property and attempted robbery. She’s due in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing at the downtown San Diego courthouse.
Prosecutors say they have identified three victims. They believe there could be more, as well as additional suspects who remain at large.
The authorities ask anyone with information on the case to contact the District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit at 619-531-3572
– City News Service
