Local telemarketers owe $1 million in restitution
May 24, 2024 - A Pinellas County Consumer Protection investigation led to the arrest of two residents who defrauded over 100 vacant property owners in 37 states. Marvin Scott and Chamera Bowman operated multiple telemarketing businesses between October 2017 and November 2020 and claimed to have buyers ready to purchase the land. The two pled guilty to fraud and money laundering charges and must pay $1.04 million in restitution. Bowman received a 12-year prison sentence, while Scott will serve 15 years of probation.