St. James Woman Charged In $2.1 Million Lottery Scam

Federal investigators say a 79-year-old St. James woman was arrested earlier this month in connection with a nationwide lottery fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of more than $2.1 million.

Sharon Dolisi was taken into custody on Oct. 8 during an arrest warrant operation in the 14000 block of Outer Dillon Road, according to a joint statement from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the FBI.

Dolisi faces federal charges of felony mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and wire fraud, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Investigators allege Dolisi participated in a scheme that tricked victims across the country into believing they had won the Mega Millions lottery or the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Victims were reportedly told they would receive their winnings after paying thousands of dollars in supposed taxes and fees. Authorities say the payments were sent to Dolisi through the U.S. Postal Service and other delivery services.

According to the investigation, Dolisi kept some of the money for herself and transferred the rest to co-conspirators in Jamaica.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting U.S. Postal Service employees,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Postal Inspection Service’s Chicago Division, which includes the St. Louis domicile. “We value our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission.”

Authorities remind the public that the charges are allegations only, and Dolisi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.