A San Fernando Valley resident was sentenced on May 4 to 120 months in federal prison after being convicted of embezzling approximately $1.8 million from an estate left to an elderly victim by the victim’s late brother.
Jamal Nathan Dawood, also known as Jimmy Dawood, age 55, of Burbank, received his sentence from United States District Judge James V. Selna. In addition to the prison term, Dawood was ordered to pay $1,862,352 in restitution and fined $30,000.
After a seven-day trial in July 2025, a jury found Dawood guilty on six counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering. Prosecutors said that during the second half of 2019, Dawood offered assistance with managing real estate properties and retirement savings inherited by the victim. He helped open a trust account but then initiated unauthorized transfers from this account into accounts he controlled or those belonging to associates. Dawood also convinced the victim to transfer ownership of his home and other real estate holdings under false pretenses.
The funds obtained through these actions were used by Dawood to purchase real estate in La Crescenta and Fontana. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading up to this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin N. Spencer and Melissa S. Rabbani prosecuted the matter.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website. The office serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website and focuses on prosecuting federal criminal cases as well as handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website. The office works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners according to its official website.
Authorities remind those aged 60 or older who may be victims of financial fraud that help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This hotline is staffed daily from early morning until evening Pacific Time with support available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
