Man Arrested for Role in Multi-State, International Lottery Fraud Targeting Seniors

August 21, 2025 • By Ryan Yousefi

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[caption id="attachment_56681" align="alignnone" width="800"] Gary Hugh Flash {BSO}[/caption]

A man arrested in Coral Springs has been accused of playing a significant role in a multi-state lottery scam that defrauded senior victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to Broward County Sheriff's Office records, Gary Hugh Flash, 27, of Fort Lauderdale, faces charges of scheme to defraud, obtaining property by false personation, and grand theft after investigators say he obtained funds fraudulently and deposited them directly into his bank accounts.

Detectives say Flash was part of an operation that, between 2021 and 2022, targeted victims by pretending to be IRS agents or sweepstakes officials, convincing them they had won millions of dollars but first needed to pay taxes upfront.

Records show that one 81-year-old Massachusetts woman lost $193,000 after sending treasurer’s checks, including one made payable to Flash. The woman sent the money after being informed she had won $10 million and needed to first pay taxes before she could accept it.

Another California victim borrowed $9,500 to mail a cashier’s check after being told she had won a sweepstakes.

Investigators say victims often received fake locked boxes supposedly containing their winnings, but when opened by police, they were found to be empty. Court records also point to international ties, identifying a Jamaican man as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

Law enforcement claims Flash introduced the man to other conspirators and handled large cash deposits, of which over $70,000 were directly deposited into his bank accounts. Investigation discovered that much of the stolen funds was funneled overseas.

A warrant was issued for Flash's arrest on August 18, and he was taken into custody by the Coral Springs Police Department on the same day.

Flash remains held behind bars at the Broward County Main Jail without bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.