Man gets two years probation in lottery scam of elderly Lincolnshire victim

A California man was placed on two years’ probation Wednesday after he admitted trying to steal more than $24,000 from an elderly Lincolnshire man.

Larry Austin, 63, of the San Diego suburb of Spring Valley, Cal., pleaded guilty to attempted money laundering during a hearing before Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras.

Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Stanton said Austin sent the victim an email in May 2010 saying the victim had won a $1.5 million lottery, but needed to pay certain costs before the prize could be delivered.

In a series of transactions that month, the victim sent Austin a total of $24,605 before the victim’s daughter became suspicious and called police.

Lincolnshire detectives worked with California officials to identify the bank accounts the victim’s money had been sent to, and were able to recover all but $9,998 of the money.

Police also identified Austin through bank videos of him making deposits and withdrawals from the same accounts.

As part of his plea negotiation, Austin handed over a check for the final $9,998 due the victim during the court hearing.

Stanton agreed to drop charges of wire fraud, computer fraud and theft in exchange for Austin’s plea.