STAFF REPORTS
ROCHESTER — Helen Jackson, 50, of Hornell, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Jackson agreed to receive money, which had been obtained by others through fraud, into her bank account and then forward the money to various individuals in Nigeria. When interviewed by a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding these transactions, the defendant claimed that she was not aware and that she was involved in a fraud. The FBI explained that she was participating in fraudulent activity, and directed her to cease accepting and forwarding any further money and Jackson agreed to stop. However, a few months later, the defendant resumed sending money to individuals in Nigeria. In total, Jackson forwarded at least $30,000 obtained by fraud from a victim.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.
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