PROVIDENCE, RI – Vidal Roquez, a 39-year-old Providence resident, has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for his involvement in a scam that defrauded over a dozen senior citizens across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The United States Attorney for Rhode Island, Zachary A. Cunha, announced the sentencing, which also includes orders for Roquez to pay restitution and engage in community service after his release.
Roquez, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 14, 2023, played a significant role in the so-called “grandparent scheme.” He personally collected cash from elderly victims who were misled by co-conspirators into believing that money was urgently needed for a relative’s bail. The victims were often deceived with claims of a “gag order” to prevent them from seeking further information.
The court has mandated Roquez to perform sixty hours of community service, speaking to senior groups about his criminal activities and advising on how to avoid similar scams. Additionally, he is required to pay $130,300 in restitution to the victims identified during the investigation. Roquez’s sentence also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.