BOSTON, Massachusetts: Marianne Smyth, currently detained in a Maine jail, faces extradition to the UK for an elaborate scam spanning over 15 years, with victims alleging she posed as an Irish heiress, psychic, and confidante of a Hollywood star.
Accused of defrauding over US$170,000 from at least five victims in Northern Ireland from 2008 to 2010, Smyth’s arrest last month in Maine follows a pattern reminiscent of infamous grifters like Anna Sorokin.
“She is a master of disguise completely changing her appearance and her grift to suit each mark,” said Johnathan Walton, who started a podcast in 2021, “Queen of the Con,” to warn others about her after he said he was fleeced out of nearly $100,000.
Walton recounted Smyth’s elaborate tales, which included frozen bank accounts, false inheritances, and extravagant promises. Despite befriending Walton in Los Angeles and showering him with luxury items, her deceit was unveiled when he discovered her criminal past.
According to Walton, Smyth’s scheme targeted numerous victims nationwide, with tactics ranging from fake charities to claims of witchcraft and friendship with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. Victims like Heather Sladinski, scammed out of $20,000, recounted Smyth’s manipulation through psychic readings and cult-like retreats.
Smyth’s web of deceit extended beyond monetary fraud, as she allegedly posed as a cancer patient to Tess Cacciatore, even fabricating emails from Aniston. Cacciatore, while not financially harmed, attested to Smyth’s persuasive tactics.
In Northern Ireland, Smyth faces charges related to promised investments and fraudulent property sales. As she awaits extradition, victims reflect on Smyth’s skillful deception, with Cacciatore noting, “She should have been an actress.”Categories: U.S. news, UK news, Massachusetts news, Law Enforcement news.
