2 men indicted for online romance fraud schemes targeting elderly

MINNEAPOLIS — Two men have been charged in separate indictments by a federal grand jury for their roles in online romance fraud schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to separate indictments, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 42, of Coon Rapids, and Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 36, of Brooklyn Park, knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated online romance fraud schemes that targeted primarily elderly victims.

As part of the schemes, the perpetrators contacted victims through email and other online social media applications, using false personas to obtain victims’ trust. The scheme participants typically sought a romantic connection with the victims including suggestions of marriage. For example, according to the indictment, Wilfred mailed cards and rings on numerous occasions to victims located in other states. Once a relationship was established, the scheme participants would introduce the victims to others, such as a purported assistant, diplomat, government official, or even supposed law enforcement officers. The intermediaries furthered the scheme by helping with purported logistical issues and lulling the victims. It was further part of the scheme that the participants of the fraud scheme would request money from victims consistent with the supposed needs of the false personas. Scheme participants routinely increased the size of the requests over time and would direct victims to send money and other items of value to specific addresses.

According to court documents, Wilfred and Kordorwu used numerous addresses and/or bank accounts to receive and process packages and funds sent by victims under false and fraudulent pretenses. Between May 2018 and June 2022, Kordorwu received more than $2.3 million in fraud proceeds from electronic fund transfers and approximately 90 separate victim mailings. Kordorwu used some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and shared proceeds with other scheme participants. Between June 2020 and March 2021, Wilfred received over 400 victim packages containing more than $1.2 million in fraud proceeds and used some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and shared proceeds with other scheme participants.

Wilfred is charged with seven counts of mail fraud. In a separate indictment, Kordorwu is charged with eight counts of mail fraud. Both defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and a digital forensic investor with Hennepin County.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

From press release

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is se eking a staff writer to join its awardwinning team As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial conten t and layout for our newspapers, website and social media page s. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings ta king photog raphs assisting with the layout pr ocess, coordinating, writin g occasiona l ed itorial columns and ma intaining a positive relation ship with the commun ity at large. We are lo oking for a ca ndidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and gr eat at time managment. Candida tes sh ould have a degree in journalism (or a relate d field) and have rele vant experience

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews @pressp ubs.com

PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of se le ct programs in clude Medicaid SNAP Ho using Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits Lifeline, Tribal 15 GB internet service Bonus offer: Android ta blet FR EE with o ne-time $20 co pay Free sh ipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 866/433-5324

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Boat slip on WBL for 22' Premier Pontoon. 651-357-5482

The City of Mahtomedi is accepting Letters of Interest to fill a recently vacated City Council seat. The City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. and occasionally for Work Sessions or Special Meetings. The term of this appointment will expire at the end of 2023.

If you are interested in serving the community in this capacity, please send a Letter of Interest to: City of Mahtomedi, c/o Scott Neilson Administrator, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or email to sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Letters of Interest will be accepted until Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. with interviews scheduled the week of February 27, 2023. Please direct questions to Scott Neilson at 651-426-3344.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

PRESS

Publications Is Seeking A Multimedia Representative

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO PATTY STEELE AT MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM OR CALL 651-407-1213

Seasonal Maintenance Workers Positions

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MAHTOMEDI

VOLUNTEER FOR CITY COMMISSION

The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the Finance Commission. The Commission serves as an advisory body making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.

If you are interested in serving the community in any of this capacity, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344 for an application form. Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Applications will be taken through March 1, 2023.

JERENE ROGERS CITY CLERK

Immediate Full-Time and

Seeking people who take pride in their work, have a strong work ethic and can work independently

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A

Staff Writer

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

Print & Web

Our creative design department produces advertising & internet materials for our newspapers and regional shopper in East Central Minnesota.

As a graphic designer you will work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. Must have the ability to manage multiple projects and the ability to work creatively to conceptualize and design effective ads while meeting our quality standards. You must possess excellent design & communication skills.

Desired Skills: A two-year degree in graphic design & experience preferred. Must be proficient with Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite. Web ad design and newspaper ad/print ad design experience is preferred. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package.

Send Resume to: Jeff Andres Kanabec Publications 107 S. Park St., Mora, MN 55051 or email jeff@northstarmedia.net

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary range from $14.00 /hour to $18.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday –Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org.

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

The City of Circle Pines is offering exciting job opportunities this summer.

Golden Lake Concession Stand Attendants

The City of Circle Pines is looking for seasonal Concession Stand Attendants for Golden Lake Park. Individuals will work approximately 20-30 hours per week. Individuals will be responsible for park groundskeeping, selling concessions, operating a cash register, cleaning and stocking shelves. Pay is $16/hr. Must be 16 years or older to apply.

Park Maintenance Worker

The City of Circle Pines is currently looking for seasonal park employees. The individuals will perform various types of manual labor, groundskeeping, operate light equipment, such as lawn mowers, and work on various projects in the park system. Position pays $17/hr. Work hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Applicant must be 16 years or older.

Public Works Maintenance Worker Centennial Utilities/City of Circle Pines is currently looking for summer seasonal employees for the Public Works Department to perform various types of manual labor and operate light equipment. Applicant must be 18 years or older. Work hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Position pays $17/hr.

Applications for Positions

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please send applications to Chandra Peterson, Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle. If you have questions, please call 763-784-5898 or email cpeterson@ci.circle-pines.mn.us.

Wrestling

Centennial defeated Irondale 45-25 and lost to Mounds View 60-13 in the Section 4AAA tournament Friday at Mounds View. The Cougars finished 18-15, their most wins since 2016. Against Irondale, getting pins were Logan Fu at 113, Jayden Lilly at 125, Dylan Larson at 132, Luke Tinka at 138, Melvin Wallace at 195 and Marcus Whiting at 220. Winning by decision were Ryan Hansen at 103, Luke Metcalf at 170, and Owen Hacket at 285. Winning against Mounds View were Fu (8-2), Lilly (11-0) and Tinka (first-period pin). The Mustangs (31-1) lost to Stillwater 31-21 in the championship match. Next for the Cougars is the section individuals tournament Saturday at North St. Paul.

Alpine

Jordin Flohaug, Centennial freshman, competed in the state Alpine Ski meet Tuesday for the second time, and it did not go as well as her first time at state last year. Flohaug had a Did Not Finish in the Red run and placed 76th of 88 in the Blue run with 53.25. “Not the race she was looking for, but skied very well outside of a couple turns,” coach Derrick Taylor said. As an eighth-grader, Flohaug placed 63rd.

Boys Hockey

Centennial closed the regular season last week with a 9-3 win over Blake at home Tuesday and a 7-0 loss at Andover on Thursday. The Cougars finished 10-6 in the Northwest Suburban for fifth place among 13 teams. Rogers was champion (12-0-1). Against Blake (13-11-1), Austin Petersen, Heath Nelson and Brock Carls netted two goals each, and Peyton Blair, Nick Carls, and Drake Ramirez one each. Blair made three assists and Petersen two. Andover (18-6-1) thumped the Cougars with Beau Altman making 24 saves and Cooper Conway three goals. The Cougars, seeded fourth in Section 5AA, will open Thursday, 7 p.m., against Totino-Grace at home. If they win, they play Saturday, 3 p.m., probably against No. 1 Rogers, at Fogarty Arena in Blaine.

Boys Basketball

Centennial is 4-17 after losing two conference games last week. Anoka had five double-digit scorers and overtook Centennial on Wednesday in Anoka. Jackson Driessen scored 22 points for the Cougars, who led 46-38 at the half. Jacob Hosfield and Ty Burgoon netted 17 points each and Luke Gunderson 11. For Anoka (119), Donald Prah sank 17 points, Chris Cooper 16, Reagan Reader 15, Trey Borchers 15, and Peyton Pedany 13. Blaine (12-10) defeated Centennial 76-54 on Friday with Ethan Bettis netting 24 points and Zach Schustad 23 points. Driessen scored 15 for the Cougars.

Girls Basketball

Centennial had its poorest offensive game of the season and lost to Blaine 49-31 on Friday evening in Blaine, after beating Anoka 71-61 on Wednesday. The Cougars are 1410 with two conference games left. Blaine (13-11) held the Cougars 10 points under their previous season low. Molly Garber led the Bengals with 15 points. Autumn McCall had 10 points and Marisa Frost nine for Centennial. Against Anoka (14-9), Frost hit 20 points (shooting 7-for-13), Kati Anderson 15 (6-for-8 overall, 2-for-3 on three’s), Macey Littlefield 13 and McCall 10. Littlefield had nine rebounds and McCall seven. Samantha Mucangi and Lauren Youngquist tallied 15 points each and Madlin Freking 14 for for Anoka (14-9), which shot 12-for-28 on three’s.

Gymnastics

Centennial placed fifth of seven teams in the Section 7AA meet Saturday at Elk River, scoring 132.05 points. Anoka won with 143.65 points. Kylie Nelson placed 11th all-around with 33.70 and Amelya Gannon was 12th with 33.60. Zoe Klockstein was 12th on bars (8.50)

Deputy Clerk

Birchwood Village is hiring a PT Deputy Clerk for 20-30 hrs./wk. at $20-$30 per hr. The position includes PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefits. Job duties include processing financial transactions, permits, and providing administrative support. Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or public administration preferred but not needed. Requires technical ability in bookkeeping and/or accounting, effective communication and customer skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A full job description and application materials can be found at www.cityofbirchwoodvillage. com. Applicants should complete the Application and Background Check Release and send, along with a resume and cover letter, to info@cityofbirchwood.com or mail to City Hall at 207 Birchwood Ave, Birchwood MN, 55110.

Weekly Outlook

Weather Tidbits

Frank Watson

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

I warned you about “fake spring” last week and after a relatively quiet February the weather got interesting, starting with last week’s 1 inch rain. The talk over this past weekend was the snowstorm forecasted for Tuesday-Wednesday with predictions of up to 24 inches! First we had to deal with a Monday morning snow squall which quickly messed up the roads and brought down visibilities, making driving difficult. We’ll get through this and soon “real spring” will be here.

Note: Will there be another Free Pie Day Weather Calendar special this year. Stay tuned.

Four Seasons

“Experts