News writer
What started as an exciting promise of a $1 million lottery win quickly turned into a costly nightmare for an elderly Florida woman. The scam seemed convincing — complete with official-sounding instructions and urgent demands to cover taxes and fees before claiming her prize.
But when bank tellers grew suspicious, and authorities traced the money trail, the scheme unraveled. Now, after a months-long investigation, one of the alleged suspects has been extradited to Florida, where she faces justice and a stern warning from the sheriff about targeting vulnerable victims.
Preying on an elderly woman
Authorities in Florida said the lottery scheme started in June. That is when Shania Baptiste, along with her accomplice Nelson Brooks, allegedly started pressuring the victim to send large amounts of money to them.
The pair allegedly convinced the victim she had won $1 million through a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. However, to get her money, she had to pay the taxes and fees first.
According to arrest reports obtained by WFTV, the victim tried to wire $20,000 from her Truist bank account on two different occasions, but she was stopped by the tellers, who warned her it was a scam. The victim then reportedly went back to the suspects and told them about the banks stopping her from sending them the money.
The pair then allegedly told the elderly woman to go to a different bank and make up a story, telling the bank employees that she was sending the money to a relative in New York for home repairs.
That story worked. The woman was able to wire $20,000 to Baptiste's Santander Bank account — then the pair demanded she send another $12,500.
Financial trail leading to the suspect
The elderly victim eventually realized she had been duped and went to police. Authorities launched an investigation in September, which uncovered a financial trail that led directly to Baptiste's frozen bank account.
Detectives from the NYPD confronted and arrested Baptiste in December at the same address listed on the delivery confirmation sent by the victim. Brooks — who also played a key role in the lottery scheme — was arrested days before Batiste but has since bonded out.
Extradited to Florida
After a months-long investigation, Baptiste was extradited from New York to Volusia County. Baptiste was handcuffed and escorted by deputies before being greeted by Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who happened to have some choice words for Baptiste.
Chitwood said:
This is the tip of the iceberg with these two. NYPD Crimes, I can't thank them enough for all their help. But this is bigger than this.
When asked about the money, Baptiste said:
There weren't any intentions for the money. When my lawyer is present, then an explanation will be given.
Baptiste was booked into Volusia County jail and faces charges for her role in the lottery scheme.
In a warning, Chitwood told everyone to be vigilant about scammers targeting money from you, especially right now during tax season.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly and avoid scams.
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