Additional Coverage:
A woman accused of impersonating an Irish heiress to defraud numerous people across the United States has been extradited to the United Kingdom, according to a U.S. official on Tuesday.
Marianne Smyth, 54, is facing charges of theft and fraud stemming from her time as an independent mortgage adviser in Northern Ireland between 2008 and 2010, where she allegedly swindled over $170,000 from her clients.
In May, a U.S. magistrate judge in Maine found the evidence sufficient to extradite Smyth, who has also claimed to be a witch, a psychic, and an acquaintance of Hollywood celebrities.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed her extradition, directing further inquiries to law enforcement in Northern Ireland. Smyth’s attorney has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Prosecutors claim that Smyth deceived investors and mishandled funds meant for home purchases, including incidents where she pocketed checks worth £20,000 ($25,370) or more. One couple alleged she took £72,570 (over $92,000) from them.
In the U.S., Smyth’s deception affected individuals including Johnathan Walton, a producer for reality TV shows like “American Ninja Warrior” and “Shark Tank.” Walton, victimized by Smyth, launched the “Queen of the Con” podcast to share his ordeal and alert others about her schemes.
Earlier this decade, Northern Irish courts issued arrest warrants for Smyth, leading to her arrest in Bingham, Maine, in February. She was expected to attend court proceedings at the Newtownards Magistrates Court this Tuesday, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter, which also cites statements from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.