DETROIT (WKZO) -- A Yale man has pleaded guilty to mail fraud for his part in a nationwide scheme which netted nearly three-million dollars from prisoners and their families.  According to a federal indictment, 57-year-old John Wilson operated three business in southeastern Michigan which sent mailings to people incarcerated around the country promising to help overturn convictions or reduce sentences.

Wilson and co-defendant Lari Zeka were accused of taking large sums of money from the inmates and their families for legal research and attorney fees, but never worked on inmates appeals.  Zeka pleaded guilty in the case earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing.

In addition to mail fraud, Wilson also pleaded guilty to failing to file federal income tax for several years.  He will be sentenced April 11th, 2013.