Waukegan woman scamming undocumented immigrants gets probation

One of two Waukegan woman who police say targeted undocumented immigrants in a fake business sale scam was placed on probation Monday when she pleaded guilty to theft.

Jami Mackay, 42, was also ordered to pay $2,550 in restitution and perform 100 hours of public service during her two years of probation.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew DeMartini said Mackay, of the 2500 block of Huron Terrace, and Maria Domingez-Rivera, 44, ran the scam between February and June of last year.

DeMartini said the women would approach undocumented immigrants and offer to sell them a cleaning business, complete with a list of contacts, that did not exist.

DeMartini said police believe the women made off with close to $30,000 with the scheme, but many charges against them could not be filed because the victims would not cooperate with police.

One woman who did, a 32-year-old from Beach Park, told police she agreed to buy the business from both women after negotiating a price of $2,550.

That woman was able to identify Mackay and Dominguez-Rivera through police photographs.

Mackay was arrested in August, and a warrant remains outstanding for Dominguez-Rivera’s arrest.

DeMartini said Mackay could have faced up to five years in prison if convicted after a trial.