Saturday, October 24, 2009

Federal Charges Dropped

Prosecutors have dropped federal charges against a New Jersey flight attendant accused of bilking an elderly Midland woman out of more than $55,000 has been dismissed.

United States District Court Magistrate Charles E. Binder signed an order to dismiss the charges against Elan Saraf without prejudice, meaning U.S. attorneys can re-open the file.

The dismissal order said the government needs more time to gather evidence and decide whether prosecution is in the public’s best interest.

“The government’s ability to prosecute this case properly would be substantially impaired were it required to proceed to indictment or information within the 30-day period prescribed by the Speedy Trial Act,” said U.S. Attorney Terrence G. Berg.

Saraf, of Newark, was charged with one count of mail fraud.

U.S. Postal Service inspectors alleged the woman was tricked into believing she won a $1 million sweepstakes.

Full Article and Source:
Charges Dropped in Case Against Newark Man Accused of Swindling Midland Woman With Phony Sweepstakes

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

As long as they continue to build a solid case, this is ok. If nothing happens, well then this is a travesty.

Betty said...

Just don't let the case drop - keep digging.

Anonymous said...

I think the elderly can pretty well be easily tricked into thinking they've won a sweepstakes. And the vultures know it.