Matthew Ramos-Soto, a 27-year-old from Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in a wire fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson in the Western District of Wisconsin. Ramos-Soto pled guilty on April 4, 2024, and was also ordered to pay restitution.
Ramos-Soto participated in a network executing grandparent schemes across the United States. Coconspirators based outside the country called elderly individuals pretending to be a relative or an attorney for a relative, claiming the relative had been arrested for causing an accident with severe consequences. The victims were then instructed to provide cash bail money for their relative's immediate release.
The funds were collected by couriers posing as bail bondsmen, with Ramos-Soto being one of them. Between October 24 and October 28, 2022, he and others collected over $250,000 from victims in Wisconsin alone.
Law enforcement identified Ramos-Soto and arrested him while attempting to collect money from a victim in Ottawa County, Michigan, on June 28, 2023. His cellphone data revealed that between October 11, 2022, and his arrest date, he collected money from victims at 18 locations nationwide.
Federal cases against this fraud network have been filed in various districts including Vermont, Rhode Island, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Judge Peterson described the crime as "cruel and devastating," highlighting its financial and emotional toll on victims. He expressed hope that the sentence would deter similar future crimes.
U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea emphasized: “Unfortunately scams targeting the elderly or vulnerable are proliferating.” He urged people to consult trusted advisors or law enforcement if approached for money over phone or internet.
Attorney General Josh Kaul stated: “The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to combating scams and holding perpetrators accountable.”
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent Michael Hensle acknowledged: “Elder fraud preys upon the vulnerabilities of our senior citizens.” He reiterated the FBI's commitment to investigating such crimes with partners.
Authorities encourage reporting suspected frauds to help identify perpetrators. The National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) provides support for affected individuals. Wisconsin residents can contact local police or the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-833-586-0107.
The investigation into Ramos-Soto’s activities involved multiple agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and FBI following a Statewide Crime Alert by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office linking several investigations across Wisconsin counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin prosecuted the case.
