Attorney General's News Release

May 9, 2000

Man sentenced to eight years in prison for telemarketing scam

St. Louis, Mo. — A St. Louis man today pleaded guilty in St. Louis County Court to nine criminal counts of unlawful merchandising practices brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon in connection with the man's involvement in a telemarketing scam.

Eddie Littleton was sentenced to two four-year consecutive prison sentences and ordered to pay all court costs.

A joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Attorney General's Office revealed that, beginning in 1996, Littleton and several other people used fraudulently obtained cell phones to contact victims. They would tell victims they had won a prize and needed to send hundreds or thousands of dollars to claim their prize.

"Littleton's conviction sends a strong message to other would-be scam artists," Nixon said. "If you defraud senior citizens, you will go to jail."

Two women involved in the scam also have pleaded guilty to unlawful merchandising practices. Sandra Tyse was placed on probation for five years after paying $1,500 in restitution and Joy Cole was sentenced to five years in prison. Two others allegedly involved in the scam have been arrested.

Learn how to protect yourself from phone fraud.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818