Woman is sentenced for Internet horse scam

5/4/2005

One of two Washington Township women who scammed $6,700 from people who thought they were buying horses and trailers on an Internet Web site was sentenced yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Barbara Adkins, 23, was placed on community control for five years by Judge James Bates, who said she could serve up to 14 months in prison if she fails to comply with the program's rules. She also was ordered to pay $3,350 in restitution to the victims.

Adkins and Lori Edwards, 37, both of 90 Cypress Lane, pleaded no contest March 29 to one count of telecommunications fraud. Township police said they scammed five people in September and October, putting the horses and trailers on horse Web sites. The victims with winning bids sent half the money for the purchases, but never received the items.