2 Ex-Travel Agents Convicted In Cruise Scam

SHERMAN, TX. (AP) – Two now-ex-travel agents in North Texas have been convicted in what prosecutors say was a bogus cruise scheme.

Sentencing is pending in Sherman for 52-year-old Carol Ribaudo and 28-year-old Sonja Ritz, both of Clearwater, Florida. The former travel agents in McKinney were convictedTuesday on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud and nine counts of wire fraud.

The case involved bookings on what was to have been a charter cruise in 2004. Investigators say the pair operated Elite Business Services and accepted payments for such travel — even though no arrangements had been made with a cruise line. Ribaudo and Ritz each could get up to 20 years in federal prison and be fined $250,000. Restitution of at least $210,000 could also be required.

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