Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Years for $12M Fraud, Faking Delta Force Service

52-year-old Saint Jovite "Kota" Youngblood, a Texas man, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for a fraud operation whereby he scammed 32 victims out of more than $12 million by posing as a Delta Force veteran.

Youngblood stated falsely that Mexican drug gangs were specifically targeting his victims and provided "protection services" in return for big payments. Presenting himself as a U.S. Army Delta Force agent, he persuaded victims their money would be reimbursed with significant gains. Rather, he used the funds into personal spending, including Las Vegas gaming vacations.

Court records exposed the extent of Youngblood's lies, spanning years and involving persuading vulnerable people of immediate danger. Youngblood was found guilty in April on four charges of wire fraud and one count of money laundering according the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Federal prosecutors claimed, "Youngblood preyed on victims using fear and lies to fund his extravagant lifestyle."

Apart from the jail term, Youngblood has been directed to make complete restitution of $12,766,484.

This story reminds us to confirm statements made by people asking big amounts of money under dubious conditions and emphasizes the need of alerting oneself against dishonest schemes.

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