Woman Who Defrauded 96-Year-Old Rhode Islander Out of $80K in Online Romance Scam Sentenced
Thursday, January 11, 2024
An Indiana woman who perpetrated an online romance scam that defrauded a 96-year-old Rhode Island widower out of nearly $80,000 has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary Cunha.
About Case
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBrittany Rakia Shawnai Lasley, 34, of Anderson, IN, previously admitted to a federal judge that she created a social media account containing fake profile information on the dating site “Plenty of Fish.”
When contacted by the Rhode Island widower, she promptly began a campaign to persuade the victim to provide her with money, credit cards, gift cards, and his personal identifying information, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
She led the victim to believe that providing her with these items would facilitate meetings between the two and foster a romantic relationship. During the scheme, Lasley fraudulently obtained access to the victim’s checking account and credit cards and made numerous unauthorized purchases.
Victim Impact
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, a federal prosecutor quoted from a victim impact statement submitted to the court by the 96-year-old victim, who wrote that he “ was in shock and disbelief. It took me a few days to comprehend what had happened. I was embarrassed, horrified, and distressed about my financial situation, fearing that I could lose the house I had lived in since 1970."
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable, elderly Rhode Islander, dangling the promise of love and companionship in an attempt to help herself to her victim’s hard-earned savings,” said Cunha. “With this sentence, it is Ms. Lasley who will deservedly pay the price for her appalling conduct. I commend the exceptional work of this team of law enforcement professionals- state, federal, and local, for bringing this defendant to justice.”
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