Phelps County Woman Sentenced for Role in $1.9 Million Lottery Scam

Phelps Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Phelps County woman has been sentenced after admitting she helped scammers move nearly $2 million stolen from victims in a nationwide lottery fraud scheme.

U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Thursday sentenced 79-year-old Sharon Dolisi, of rural Phelps County near St. James, to three years of probation. The court also ordered Dolisi to repay approximately $1.97 million to victims of the fraud.

According to federal prosecutors, victims were contacted by phone or text and falsely told they had won a lottery. They were instructed to pay upfront "taxes" and "fees" to claim their winnings. In some cases, victims were persuaded to obtain reverse mortgages or home equity loans to cover the fraudulent payments.

Between April 21, 2023, and June 11, 2025, Dolisi deposited cashier's checks and personal checks from 28 victims into her personal bank accounts, moving more than $1.9 million through those accounts.

Investigators said one of Dolisi's bank accounts was closed less than a week after her first deposit. Authorities also said she repeatedly lied about the source and purpose of the money. In October 2024, she denied sending or receiving money for others and later falsely claimed large cash withdrawals were related to buying and selling gold. In June 2025, she again told bank representatives she needed tens of thousands of dollars in cash to purchase gold and collectibles.

Federal authorities say Dolisi supplied debit cards linked to her accounts to co-conspirators in Jamaica, who then withdrew money belonging to victims.

Dolisi pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General said the scheme targeted vulnerable elderly victims, many of whom lost their life savings. He said investigators will continue working with law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service also emphasized its commitment to investigating mail-related financial fraud and pursuing justice for victims, particularly older Americans targeted by scams.