Florida AG Secures 21-Year Sentence for Crypto Criminal Targeting Seniors

FL Attorney General News Releases

Filed February 17th, 2026

Detected February 18th, 2026

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a 21.6-year prison sentence for Otiz Swinton Jr. for a crypto fraud scheme targeting seniors. This marks the longest incarceration for a cyber fraud case by the Office of Statewide Prosecution Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit since its founding in 2023.

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What changed

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Otiz Swinton Jr. has been sentenced to 21.6 years in prison for a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims. The sentence, secured by the Office of Statewide Prosecution Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, is the longest for a cyber fraud case since the CFEU's inception in 2023. Swinton was convicted on multiple counts, including Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information of a Person 60 Years of Age or Older and Exploitation of a Person 65 Years of Age or Older. The investigation began after a complaint from a 95-year-old victim and revealed Swinton impersonated financial institution and company representatives to gain access to victims' accounts, convince them to transfer funds to cryptocurrency wallets, and make unauthorized purchases.

This enforcement action highlights the severe penalties for targeting vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, through sophisticated cyber fraud schemes. While this case is specific to an individual's conviction and sentencing, it serves as a strong deterrent and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and consumer protection for the elderly. Regulated entities, especially those in the financial and technology sectors, should be aware of the increasing focus on prosecuting such crimes and the potential for lengthy prison sentences. The case also emphasizes the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in investigating and prosecuting complex cyber fraud cases.

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Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures 21-Year Prison Sentence for Crypto Criminal who Targeted Seniors

View PDF Release Date Feb 17, 2026 Contact Communications Phone (850) 245-0150 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) secured a 21.6-year prison sentence for Otiz Swinton Jr, marking the longest incarceration sentence for a cyber fraud case since CFEU was founded in 2023.

“This fraudster preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens without remorse,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida will not tolerate criminals who exploit our seniors, and I am grateful to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Sarah Keith and Patrick Gilday for their work in securing a sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes.”

“Targeting elderly victims through fraud and deception is a calculated and cruel crime,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad **** Chronister. “We are grateful to see justice delivered in this case. We will continue working alongside our partners at the Attorney General’s Office to hold offenders accountable and protect our community and seniors from predators.”

The investigation, led by CFEU in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, began after a complaint from one of Swinton’s victims, a 95-year-old man. Between June 2022 and April 2025, Swinton repeatedly contacted the victim, falsely claiming that the victim’s Fidelity account had been compromised. Swinton convinced the victim to transfer funds to a Wells Fargo account and mailed him a flash drive and a cell phone to access the victim's computer remotely.

Swinton then guided the victim through creating a cryptocurrency wallet and conducted unauthorized transfers from the victim’s account to his own. He also wrote checks to himself from the victim’s account and deposited them. At the time, Swinton was actively serving a prison sentence for an unrelated offense and carried out the scheme from behind bars.

After his release from prison in March 2025, Swinton immediately resumed criminal activity, targeting a second victim, a 97-year-old woman. Swinton impersonated a Spectrum employee, falsely claimed her accounts had been compromised, obtained her personal and banking information over the phone, and conducted unauthorized purchases and money transfers.

Swinton was convicted on two counts of Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information of a Person 60 Years of Age or Older, two counts of Exploitation of a Person 65 Years of Age or Older, two counts of Organized Fraud Less than $20,000, one count of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, and five counts of Uttering a Forged Instrument.

Swinton will serve out his sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections.