Woman pleads guilty in P.E.I. ‘grandparent scam’ case, sentenced to 120 days in jail [Video]

One of two people accused in a so-called “grandparent scam” on Prince Edward Island has been sentenced to 120 days in jail. 

Genesis Javiera Carvajal Tapia appeared in a Charlottetown courtroom via video link Thursday and pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000. The Crown stayed two other counts of fraud. 

Tapia was given credit for 97 days in custody since her arrest in late August, and will have 23 days left to serve on her sentence. 

Her co-accused, Luis Luciano David Cortez Abarca, faces four charges. His case was adjourned until Dec. 4, and he will remain in custody until then. 

Cortez also faces similar charges in New Brunswick.  

A grandparent scam is a ploy that involves defrauding people by telling them their grandchildren are in legal trouble and need money to be bailed out of jail.

Victims withdrew thousands for ‘bail’

According to an agreed statement of facts read out in court Thursday, Cortez and Tapia rented a vehicle …