Third person sentenced in Oregon court for Internet scam

1/9/2008, 1:03 a.m. PST
The Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — A third person has been sentenced for an Internet investment scam that touted "high-yield investments" but really provided nearly $700,000 to three people to spend on cars, electronics, furniture, jewelry and a house.

The U.S. attorney's office said Tuesday that Edwin Garcia, 41, was sentenced to 27 months and ordered to pay about $125,000 in restitution.

In October, Daniel Wheatley was sentenced to 41 months and Sunshine Simmons was ordered to serve six months of home detention and three years on probation.

Prosecutors said the Springfield couple and Garcia, who had lived in Vancouver, Wash., bilked 9,756 people.