💔 Elderly NY woman lost over $500K in a 3-year romance scam tied to a Newark deacon ⚠️ Suspect allegedly threatened victim’s son during extortion attempt 🚔 Arrest made in Kentucky after slip-up revealed location
An ordained deacon at a church in Newark has been arrested in Kentucky and charged with conning an elderly New York woman out of half a million dollars in a romance scam, according to authorities.
Newark deacon accused in $500K romance scam targeting elderly woman
On Monday, April 20, police officers and investigators executed a search warrant in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, following an investigation that began in New York.
The day before, investigators learned that an elderly woman had been the victim of a romance scam for over three years, losing more than $500,000, Mt. Sterling police said.
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Extortion threats escalate case after victim’s son intervenes
After her adult son got involved and reported the scam, the man, identified as Ephraim Uduoso, 43, of Union, threatened the woman that a hired hit would be put out on her son if she didn’t continue paying him.
During the extortion attempt, Uduoso accidentally revealed an address, 225 Richmond Avenue, Mt. Sterling, prompting a swift warrant.
Kentucky raid uncovers evidence of alleged scam operation
Police seized multiple cell phones, computers, ledgers, and countless Western Union transaction receipts during the search…