An unlawfully at large Magilligan Prisoner with multiple aliases is to face a court in Rhode Island.
The US department of Homeland Security arrested Timothy O’Reilly, also known as Elijah Gavin, Timothy Kelly, or Elijah Thomas, in relation to construction fraud.
It’s alleged he is a member of what the FBI are calling the ‘Travelling Conmen’ – a group of UK and Irish nationals who have been recognised in the US as a transnational organised crime group.
He was arrested in New York in January on charges of conning over $850,000 dollars from a 78-year-old woman.
He also faces charges of wire fraud after allegedly moving money across bank accounts in different states.
He has been on the run since 2022 after failing to return to Magilligan Prison after a temporary compassionate release – at the time he was facing charges over an attempt to trick another elderly woman out of £40,000.
In September last year, Fermanagh brothers Patrick and Matthew McDonagh pleaded guilty to taking part in a similar scam in Washington state, with one homeowner losing over $400,000.
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday World’s Eamon Dillon, who has been following the story.
On-the-run Magilligan prisoner set to face court in the US after alleged $800,000 scam
