El Paso Standard

A British national, Elijah Gavin, also known as Timothy O’Reilly or Elijah Thomas, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island. Gavin is accused of participating in a multi-state fraud and money laundering scheme that allegedly defrauded residents across several states of over $1 million. The indictment follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The charges against the 29-year-old include wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. According to court documents, Gavin and his associates are believed to be part of the Traveling Conmen Fraud Group (Conmen Travelers), recognized by the FBI’s Terrorist Screen Center as a transnational organized crime group.

Gavin and his co-conspirators are accused of deceiving property owners in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York by misrepresenting their identities and the qualifications of their construction businesses. They allegedly billed for unnecessary equipment and repairs. Among the victims was a 78-year-old woman from Rhode Island who was reportedly swindled out of over $850,000 for unneeded foundation and basement repairs.

Funds collected through this scheme were allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by the conspirators or transferred to others who laundered them. Gavin last entered the United States legally in 2022 but did not adhere to his admission terms. He faces local charges in the UK as well.

Gavin has been detained since his arrest in New Jersey on January 29. His arraignment is set for March 10 at the U.S. District Court in Providence.

The public is reminded that a federal indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation involves ICE, Rhode Island State Police, and U.S Diplomatic Security Service. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activities via phone or an online tip form.