Home / Crime and Justice / Omaha Scam Bust: Couple Nabbed in Lottery Sting
Omaha Scam Bust: Couple Nabbed in Lottery Sting
2 Jul
Summary
- Couple arrested for attempting to collect $473,000 in fake lottery prize.
- Law enforcement posed as victim in a sophisticated sting operation.
- Scammers used fake CIA agent persona and code word for pickup.
Douglas County deputies successfully thwarted an international lottery scam targeting a vulnerable elderly woman in Omaha. The couple, Kerwin and Shanna Kerr from Illinois, were arrested during a law enforcement sting operation. Investigators had created a fictional elderly woman profile on social media to draw out the scammers.
The suspects, who claimed to be connected to a "Mega Millions Sweepstakes Lottery Company," instructed the fictional victim to pay $473,000 in fees and taxes to receive prize winnings. They arranged for a courier, identified as Kerwin Kerr, to meet at a specific location using the code word "Kahreem."
Deputies apprehended Kerwin Kerr when he arrived to collect the money. His wife, Shanna Kerr, was also taken into custody from their vehicle, where authorities found a loaded handgun, marijuana, and both U.S. and Jamaican currency.
Both suspects face conspiracy charges, with Kerwin Kerr also facing a weapons charge. Sheriff Aaron Hanson highlighted that this case was unique because the scam group sent a physical courier instead of using cryptocurrency kiosks. Authorities are concerned about additional victims and remind the public that real prizes never require upfront fees.
