A California man was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with all but 6.5 years suspended, for his role in a gold bar scam that targeted a Silver Spring resident, according to the Montgomery County State’s 
Attorney’s Office (MCSAO).
Wenhui Sun, 35, of Lake Arbor, CA was sentenced March 11, after pleading guilty to charges of theft schemes, conspiracy to commit theft, and theft over $100,000.
The sentencing hearing was held before Judge Margaret Schweitzer.
According to MCSAO, Sun was part of a scheme to swindle more than $1.1 million dollars from an elderly woman living in the Leisure World community in Silver Spring.
The victim ended up handing over nearly $800,000 worth of gold bars.
Authorities believe the scam was linked to an international organized crime ring.
Similar Gold Bar Scams have been reported here in Montgomery County and across the United States.
Sun’s case marks the first conviction in Montgomery County, officials said.
In addition to his prison sentence, Sun was ordered to pay $457,410.34 in restitution and will serve five years of supervised probation upon his release.
Photo Courtesy MCSAO
