In a significant legal development that highlights South Dakota’s unwavering commitment to combating financial fraud, Dwayne Anderson, a Jamaican national, was sentenced to a 63-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release. Anderson’s conviction serves as a testament to the tenacity and dedication of South Dakota’s legal authorities in safeguarding their citizens from global fraudulent schemes.
The fraudulent operation, which spanned from 2010 to 2017, targeted an elderly California woman, falsely luring her with promises of sweepstakes winnings. Anderson, operating under various pseudonyms, manipulated and coerced the victim into sending over $181,000 under the guise of paying fees and taxes associated with her supposed winnings. Sadly, the woman’s funds were routed, in part, through South Dakota, which played a key role in the legal proceedings and eventual conviction.
South Dakota’s Role
South Dakota’s involvement in the case underscores the state’s proactive stance in complex, national fraud investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Ronald A. Parsons Jr., played a pivotal role in the prosecution of this case. The state’s commitment to justice is exemplified by its cooperation with national and international agencies to bring perpetrators to justice, ensuring that South Dakotans and Americans across the nation are protected from such scams.
Ronald A. Parsons Jr. commented, “This case illustrates the vital function that partnerships between state, federal, and international bodies serve in dismantling fraud networks that span continents. South Dakota is proud to contribute to these shared efforts, ensuring our communities remain safe from deceitful schemes.”
District of South Dakota
The Investigation
The case was meticulously investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), renowned for their expertise in unraveling intricate fraudulent schemes. The USPIS, alongside South Dakota prosecutors, pieced together the evidence that ultimately led to Anderson’s extradition from Jamaica in 2024.
The cooperation between the U.S. Department of Justice, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and South Dakota authorities exemplified international collaboration at its finest. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs played a crucial role in coordinating with Jamaican law enforcement to ensure Anderson’s capture and extradition.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
After his extradition to the United States, Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in September 2025. The sentencing included a restitution order exceeding $181,075, reflecting the losses incurred by the fraudulent activity. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson from the District of South Dakota was instrumental in the prosecution, employing a robust legal framework to secure Anderson’s conviction. Her efforts underscore the caliber of legal expertise in South Dakota that contributes to nationwide justice efforts.
Connie Larson stated, “This case is a powerful reminder of the perils of fraud and the necessity of vigilance. We worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served, and I am proud of the role South Dakota played in securing a conviction against someone who thought they could prey on the vulnerable without consequences.”
Connie Larson
Implications for South Dakota and Beyond
South Dakota’s involvement in this case not only reinforces the state’s dedication to justice but also its position as a significant player in the fight against financial fraud. The state’s legal apparatus, in collaboration with federal and international bodies, ensures that those who attempt to exploit systems or individuals for financial gain are met with firm resistance and justice.
Additionally, this case serves as an educational tool for South Dakota’s residents, emphasizing the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited communications promising large sums of money. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious interaction to authorities promptly.
South Dakota’s commitment to protecting its citizens from fraudulent schemes is a source of pride and reassurance for many, offering a potent reminder of the state’s resolve to foster a safe, transparent, and fraudulent-free environment.
As South Dakota continues to bolster its reputation as a bastion against fraud, the clear message remains: Perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no matter where they hide.