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a pair of fortune tellers In pennsylvania Police allege he stole more than $600,000 from customers by claiming they would be freed from curses or protected from harm in exchange for cash and luxury items.
“These defendants, through their fraudulent scheme, made people victims Those who were looking for help, guidance and hope were exploited for financial gain,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. steel Said In a statement. “He will now be held accountable for his actions.”
Gina Marie Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Jenkintown, were arrested Tuesday and charged with theft by deception and receiving stolen property, as well as felonies. Future statementPennsylvania is one of a group of US states where fortune telling is illegal.
Between September 2022 and August 2023, the accused prospectors allegedly told a client that she was the target of a curse Who was preventing him from finding love and happiness, making him believe that this magic would destroy his marriage, business and family.
During this period, the couple demanded money, jewelry, clothes, gift cards, and concert tickets, saying these would help her “cleanse”. curseItems that were never returned, police said.
All told they stole $595,959 from the first victim, police said.
During the second scheme, which ran from June 2023 to February 2024, Marks and Nicklas allegedly demanded photographs and personal details from a woman as part of a ritual, and claimed she would face reputational damage and personal consequences if she did not follow their instructions.
The psychics also reportedly demanded money and a Chanel purse.
They stole $18,000 from this victim, police said.
A lawyer for one of the defendants said, “Mr. Nicklas denies any involvement in this alleged scheme and maintains his complete innocence.” told NBC Philadelphia. “We intend to vigorously challenge the charges in court, where the facts – not assumptions or headlines – will speak for themselves. I urge the public and the media to withhold judgment and respect the presumption of innocence that every person is entitled to under the law.”
Independent Jenkintown Psychic Visions, where the alleged scam took place, has been contacted for comment.
Both the defendants have been released on bail.
A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for October 20.