BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A 40-year-old Niagara Falls woman has pleaded guilty to fraud for her role in a debt collection scheme based in western New York that brought in more than $3 million through illegal tactics.
The U.S. attorney's office in Buffalo says Shauniqua Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in prison when she's sentenced on June 28.
Rodriguez was charged along with five other defendants. Four have been convicted including ringleader Joseph Ciffa, who's awaiting sentencing.
Rodriguez worked for a debt collection agency that operated under various names. She called consumers throughout the United States and made threats to induce them to pay debts, including debts that had already been satisfied.
Prosecutors say the scheme brought in more than $3 million between 2015 and 2016.
