PROVIDENCE – An Irish national who was living unlawfully in the United States was sentenced today in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a scheme to defraud homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, announced United States Attorney Charles Calenda through a release.
28-year-old John O’Brien was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John McConnell, Jr. to 56 months in federal prison. He is expected to be deported following the completion of his sentence. O’Brien pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, to wire fraud.
“John O’Brien’s scheme was not just fraudulent, it was predatory. He deliberately targeted homeowners and exploited their trust for personal and financial gain,” said United States Attorney Calenda. “This case reflects a broader pattern of individuals known as ‘Traveling Conmen’ who cross state lines for the purpose of defrauding victims. Individuals who engage in this kind of calculated deception should expect to be aggressively investigated and prosecuted in federal court. This office will continue to prioritize protecting individuals from this type of premeditated scheme. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of O’Brien’s conduct and the harm it causes to victims.”…