NEW YORK — Swayne Barker and Ricki Rickaline Gibbs were extradited from Jamaica to the United States on September 8, 2026. The husband and wife arrived in the country after Barker faced multiple fraud charges and Gibbs fled following a prison sentence.

Barker faces charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and receiving stolen money. He faces maximum terms of 20 years for the multiple fraud and money laundering charges, along with a maximum term of five years in prison for conspiracy to receive stolen money.

Gibbs failed to surrender and fled to Jamaica. She now faces additional charges for bail jumping and faces a maximum term of 10 years for failure to surrender for service of sentence. Gibbs is a dual citizen of Jamaica and the United States, while Barker is a citizen of Jamaica.

From at least 2019 through at least 2023, Barker and Gibbs defrauded victims by representing they had won sweepstakes prizes. The fraud scheme resulted in losses of over $1.7 million to more than 20 victims. Victims were instructed to send money by mailing checks, money orders, Vanilla Visa gift cards, and cash concealed in books, as well as by wire and Zelle transfer. Perpetrators used romance scam tactics to induce victims to continue making payments.

In addition to her prison term, Gibbs was ordered to pay forfeiture of $1,018,703. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,379,402. Both cases are assigned to U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.

Gibbs was arrested in Jamaica in April 2026 pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant. Barker and Gibbs arrived in the United States on August 27, 2026. They were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause upon their arrival.

"Today’s extradition makes clear that fraudsters who exploit vulnerable victims will be held accountable and that those who would seek to escape the consequences of their crimes will be relentlessly pursued until they are brought to justice," said Jamie McDonald, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York Ricky J. Patel addressed the capture of the pair. "Attempting to escape a federal sentence or hide from charges across the ocean is a losing strategy," Patel said.

Why It Matters

The extradition demonstrates the reach of U.S. law enforcement in pursuing fugitives who cross international borders to evade justice. The case involves financial losses for victims, with the scheme resulting in over $1.7 million in damages to more than 20 individuals. The use of romance scam tactics and sweepstakes fraud illustrates methods used to target vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.

The collaboration between the U.S. Marshals Service and Jamaican authorities demonstrates the mechanisms available for international extradition. Gibbs' status as a dual citizen and her flight to Jamaica after sentencing tested these legal frameworks. The outcome reinforces the position that fleeing jurisdiction does not prevent eventual prosecution and sentencing.

Timeline

On January 7, 2026, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas sentenced Ricki Gibbs. On that same date, Gibbs was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas and ordered to surrender on February 9. Also on January 7, 2026, Ricki Gibbs was ordered to pay forfeiture of $1,018,703.

She was ordered to pay restitution of $1,379,402 on January 7, 2026. On January 7, 2026, Ricki Gibbs was sentenced for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Ricki Gibbs was sentenced to 51 months in prison in January 2026.

On February 9, 2026, Ricki Gibbs was ordered to surrender. On that same date, Ricki Gibbs failed to surrender and fled to Jamaica.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates that Gibbs was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas on January 7, 2026, and ordered to surrender on February 9. A report from the Internal Revenue Service states that Ricki Gibbs was previously sentenced to 51 months in prison for her role in a nationwide sweepstakes fraud scheme targeting the elderly.

How Sources Differ

Regarding Ricki Gibbs, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York Press Release 26-25 states that U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas sentenced Ricki Gibbs. The IRS reports that Ricki Gibbs was previously sentenced to 51 months in prison for her role in a nationwide sweepstakes fraud scheme targeting the elderly, according to a report from the Internal Revenue Service.

Regarding Ricki Gibbs, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York Press Release 26-25 states that from at least 2019 through at least 2023, Swayne Barker and Ricki Gibbs defrauded victims by representing they had won sweepstakes prizes.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York Press Release 26-25 states that Ricki Gibbs faces a maximum term of 10 years for failure to surrender for service of sentence.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York Press Release 26-25 states that Ricki Gibbs was sentenced for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.