SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Temecula man accused of orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that targeted an elderly woman out of more than $1.5 million appeared in federal court Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors say 10-time convicted felon Troy Clinton Van Sickle manipulated the victim into believing the two were in a romantic relationship before convincing her to send him large sums of money between 2022 and 2023.
Federal authorities allege Van Sickle concealed a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for fraud, theft, extortion and perjury, instead presenting himself as a successful businessman. Investigators say he told the woman he needed financial help for business ventures and investment opportunities, promising to quickly repay the money and share future profits…