A former Tucson insurance agent was sentenced to over 11 years in prison for defrauding an elderly client of over $1 million.
Koreasa Maria Williams, 47, was sentenced Sept. 30 to 136 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to her victim after she pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona said. This sentence was ordered to run concurrent to a 51-month sentence for an earlier annuity fraud scheme.
In October 2018, Williams advised her 80-year-old client to cash out eight life insurance policies and obtain approximately $1 million under the false promise that the life insurance funds would be better invested in annuities after she realized she was under investigation for an earlier annuity theft scheme, the news release said.
She tricked the client into writing two checks totaling over $1 million to a law firm under the guise that the law firm worked for Williams’ annuity company and that the funds would be used to purchase an annuity for the victim. She then delivered the checks from the client and told the law firm the checks were a loan from her “rich uncle,” the news release said.
Williams directed the law firm to use the money to pay back multiple victims from the earlier annuity theft scheme to try and avoid criminal charges. After she was indicted in the earlier theft scheme and released on bond in May 2019, Williams deceived the client into giving her additional funds between June and December, the news release said.
She then used that money for herself and her family over the next six months via thousands of dollars in cash withdrawals, supermarket and convenience store debits, car payments, cable fees, movie theater purchases, donations to a religious ministry in North Carolina, her local church and a local charity, the news release said.
ICYMI: Watch the Star's top videos from the past week
New Javelina Statue unveiled along River path
Updateda new art sculpture was unveiled along the river path near Campbell Avenue. The statue features a javelina on a bike with an extra seat behind for the community to interact and sit on. Video by Pascal Albright/ Arizona Daily Star
Student led rally about school safety at the University of Arizona
UpdatedAbout 40 students and supporters showed up in front of Old Main to rally for change in school policies and administration on the University of Arizona campus, May 4. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
New Mural highlights wildlife along River Walk
UpdatedA new mural is bringing color to the river walk. The new mural located near country club features vibrant depictions of Arizona wildlife. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
Pima County Board of Supervisors discusses end of Title 42
UpdatedWatch now: Pima County is preparing to receive an increased number of asylum seekers when Title 42 ends on May 11. Video courtesy of Pima County
ChronicCon is canceled
UpdatedChronicCon, which had been scheduled for May 20th out at Cocoroque Ranch and Pavilion, has been canceled due to a reorganization of the Arizona Daily Star.
Forest Service officials looking for suspect in wildfire on Mount Lemmon
UpdatedForest Service Fire Investigators are trying to identify a man seen on video shooting a gun where the Molino basin wildfire started April 30. Officials are asking anyone with information to call 520-388-8343 or email the Coronado National Forest at Mailroom_R3_Coronado@usda.gov. Video courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
A trip to Tucson's year-round farmers market at Rillito Park
UpdatedHeirloom Farmer Markets' weekly offerings at Rillito Park near the Chuck Huckelberry Loop can be found every Sunday morning. The market's current hours are 8 a.m. to noon.
Tucson police release video of fatal March 3 shootout
UpdatedAaron Martinka, 28, was shot and killed by Tucson police after firing at them during a traffic stop near North Campbell Avenue and East Grant Road, authorities say. Video courtesy of the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team.
Take a tour of the Blue Moon Community Garden
UpdatedBlue Moon Community Garden is one of 17 gardens overseen by the nonprofit Community Gardens of Tucson. Through regular events for gardeners and neighbors, CGT aims to bring people together to grow not only healthy foods, but also relationships. Video by Caitlin Schmidt / Arizona Daily Star
Rep. Stahl Hamilton apologizes for hiding copies of the Bible
UpdatedRep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, apologized Wednesday to colleagues for moving and hiding copies of the Bible in the House members’ lounge, saying she was trying to make a “playful” point about the separation of church and state. Video courtesy of Arizona Capitol Television.
Arizona lawmakers propose bill to limit access to online pornography
UpdatedAfter being initially shot down, a new version of State Bill 1503, is being considered by Arizona lawmakers. Video courtesy of Arizona Capitol Television.
President of TUSD board voices support for LGBTQ+ students and staff
UpdatedTucson Unified School District's Governing Board President Ravi Shah spoke in support of LGBTQ+ students and district staff members during a board meeting Tuesday. Shah also showed support for an upcoming student-led drag show at Tucson High.
Footage shows Rep. Stahl Hamilton moving Bibles
UpdatedRep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, was recently filmed hiding copies of the Bible inside a state Capitol lounge. Video courtesy of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Mountain lion caught on doorbell camera outside Bisbee home
UpdatedA mountain lion was recently seen in Bisbee on the porch of a home about 80 miles southeast of Tucson. The Arizona Game and Fish Department asks that sightings are reported at 623-236-7201 so officials can track the movement and behavior of wildlife. Video courtesy of AZGFD.
Time lapse: Northern Lights seen over Tucson
UpdatedThis footage showing the aurora borealis was captured by a camera belonging to the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey at Mount Bigelow on April 23 from sundown to about 10 p.m. Video courtesy of David Rankin.
Trail camera catches a busy beaver on the San Pedro River
UpdatedThe river's beaver population is hanging on almost 25 years after being reintroduced by wildlife officials.
