Many of the indictments are for the theft and distribution of high-value game pieces from Monopoly, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and other games.

"It's not over yet, either," said Steve Cole, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

The 18 suspects are accused of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.

Prosecutors allege that as far back as the late 1980s, Jerome Jacobson, director of security for Simon Marketing Inc., embezzled more than $20 million worth of high-value winning McDonald's game pieces from his employer.

The indictment also alleges he then distributed the winning game pieces to individuals who personally redeemed the game or recruited others to redeem the pieces for prizes, some valued at as much as $1 million.  
 
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