GRIMES CO. MAN CONVICTED OF RUNNING FAKE CAR RAFFLE
An Iola man has pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of waging paraphernalia after running a fake raffle for a car.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 48-year-old Marcos Trevino admitted to operating a drawing that offered a chance to win a limited edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon from 2018 to 2022.
Authorities say Trevino promoted the raffle throughout the United States on various websites, social media and at auto shows. The raffle’s website made it appear as thought the participant was not purchasing a ticket; instead, they would be getting a koozie that would grant them an entry for the drawing. Each beverage holder was $105.
The rules claimed no purchase was necessary and that a purchase would not improve the chance of winning. However, the purchase of a koozie was the only means of entry.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the raffle was in existence for nearly four years, but there was no drawing or receipt of prizes by any participants, and no one ever received a koozie. The vehicle was still on Trevino’s property at the time of his arrest.
According to the drawing website, total ticket sales reached 765, resulting in funds totaling $80,325.
Authorities say the raffle was illegal since it was not run by a charitable organization, no date was set for the drawing, there was no end date, proceeds were not spent on a lawful purpose, and it included statewide and interstate advertising. In addition, although the website claimed there was a money back guarantee, no method was described for a participant to get their money back.
Sentencing has been set for December 7th. Trevino faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He could also be ordered to forfeit the earnings from the raffle and provide restitution to the participants.