Judge Sentences Jamaican Fraudster to 72 Months
A 41-year-old man was sentenced for his role in a $3.4 million mail and wire fraud conspiracy.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Judge Paul Maloney sentenced Sefton Olivair Stewart to 72 months in federal prison following his guilty plea for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Stewart, who operated the scheme between 2019 and 2024, will be deported from the United States after completing his prison term.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of international fraud schemes that target vulnerable individuals by falsely promising large cash prizes and luxury vehicles. Victims were coerced into paying advance fees and taxes to claim these non-existent rewards.
Sefton Olivair Stewart received a 72-month prison sentence for his role in a scheme that defrauded 28 victims of $3.4 million. Co-conspirator Danielle Diarbakerly previously received a 37-month sentence for her participation in the fraud.
The players
Sefton Olivair Stewart
The 41-year-old defendant was the primary figure in a mail and wire fraud scheme and was extradited from Jamaica.
Paul Maloney
He is the federal judge who presided over the case and delivered the prison sentence in Grand Rapids.
Danielle Diarbakerly
She was a co-conspirator in the fraudulent scheme who received a 37-month prison sentence.
U.S. Marshals Service
This federal law enforcement agency is responsible for the custody and transport of federal prisoners, including the extradition of Stewart.
The details
The conspirators used fake bank and government documents to convince victims they had won significant prizes. The U.S. Marshals Service eventually extradited Stewart from Jamaica to Grand Rapids to face charges for the crimes committed against victims including some in West Michigan.
Timeline
October 2019 to September 2024: The period during which the fraudulent conspiracy scheme occurred.
July 2026: Stewart entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
October 16, 2026: Stewart received his 72-month prison sentence in Grand Rapids.
Legal Context
The sentencing of Stewart follows the standard application of the 2026 Department of Justice mail and wire fraud sentencing guidelines. These federal standards ensure consistent punishment for cross-border criminal enterprises that exploit private citizens.
Residents in the area should remain vigilant against unsolicited requests for taxes or fees to claim prizes, as these are common hallmarks of fraudulent schemes. This case serves as a warning for the public to verify government communications before providing financial information.
The takeaway
Scammers often target individuals by creating a sense of urgency regarding non-existent rewards. Always verify the authenticity of any organization claiming you have won a prize before sending money or personal data.
Further reading
For additional context on local enforcement, see the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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