United States of America v. Sefton Stewart

Grand Rapids, Michigan, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1956(h) and attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1349.

Reported by: Kent Morlan

Between October 2019 and September 2024, Sefton Stewart, age 40,, Danielle Diarbakerly, and others participated in a scheme to defraud people in the United States by claiming they had won large prizes (cash and luxury vehicles) in a multistate lottery. To claim the prizes, victims were told they had to pay taxes and fees associated with their winnings. None of those false representations were true and the conspirators used fake bank and U.S. government documents to convince some victims to believe the fraudulent representations and promises. A large portion of the victim funds ultimately were sent to Jamaica, where Stewart resided and a substantial part of the scheme was executed. At least one of the scheme’s victims was a resident of West Michigan, which prompted U.S. Attorney VerHey to file charges.

The nationwide fraud scheme fraudulently obtained at least $3.4 million from more than 25 victims.

Stewart was extradited to Grand Rapids, Michigan from Jamaica by the U.S. Marshals Service in March 2026 and has been detained since his arrival. After serving his sentence, Stewart will be removed from the United States.

“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the public from transnational criminal organizations that target vulnerable individuals through complex fraud schemes,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Scott Bauer, Grand Rapids Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “This case demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and the dedication of our agents to pursue justice for victims, no matter where the perpetrators may reside. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who exploit innocent people are held accountable.”

“The defendant in today’s announcement and their prosecuted co-conspirator share one trait in common – greed,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kuszynski, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “This desire for money, along with the power and material items it buys, drove them to commit crimes against many of the vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the financial expertise and diligence of IRS-CI special agents, who worked side-by-side with our law enforcement partners to uncover these schemes, these criminals are facing the consequences of their actions.”

The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) are jointly investigating this case.

The Defendant elected plead guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.