U.S. girl accused of posing as heiress in rip-off extradited to the U.Ok. to face fraud fees

A lady accused of touring throughout the U.S. claiming to be an Irish heiress and scamming a number of victims out of tens of 1000’s of {dollars} has been extradited to the UK, a U.S. official mentioned Tuesday.

Marianne Smyth, 54, faces fees of theft and fraud by abuse of place for allegedly stealing greater than $170,000 from victims she met by means of her work as an unbiased mortgage adviser in Northern Eire from 2008 to 2010. 

A U.S. Justice of the Peace decide in Maine dominated in Might that there was ample proof for extradition of Smyth, who accusers say has additionally original herself as a witch, a psychic and a pal to Hollywood stars.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Division of Justice confirmed the extradition, and referred inquiries to legislation enforcement officers in Northern Eire. An lawyer for Smyth didn’t instantly reply to an e mail requesting remark.

Authorities abroad have mentioned Smyth stole cash that she had promised to speculate and likewise organized to promote a sufferer a house however as a substitute took the cash. The Maine decide’s ruling on extradition detailed a number of situations during which prosecutors allege Smyth pocketed checks of £20,000 (about $25,370) or extra. One couple accused her of constructing off with £72,570 (over $92,000).

Smyth’s victims within the U.S. included Johnathan Walton, who labored as a actuality tv producer for “American Ninja Warrior” and “Shark Tank.” Walton additionally began a podcast titled “Queen of the Con” in an try to doc his private travails with Smyth and expose her misdeeds.

A court docket in Northern Eire issued arrest warrants for her earlier this decade. She was arrested in Bingham, Maine, in February.

Smyth was slated to look on the Newtownards Magistrates Courtroom on Tuesday, in keeping with the Hollywood Reporter, which obtained statements from the U.S. Division of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Eire.