Schmitt, FTC secure $30M sweepstakes settlement

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and the Federal Trade Commission partnered to secure a $30 million settlement.

The trio of Kevin Brandes, William Graham and Charles Floyd, operating out of Kansas City, allegedly ran an illegal sweepstakes scheme that preyed on the elderly. Mailers claimed large prizes if the "winners" paid fees.

“Protecting our most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, is something that I dedicate myself to every single day,” Schmitt said in a statement. “With this record settlement, we sent a clear message to those who seek to perpetrate fraud within the state of Missouri: Your actions will not go unpunished. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Federal Trade Commission’s talented team to secure this settlement.”

Read more from The Associated Press.