A Temecula man with ten prior felony convictions appeared in federal court Friday to face charges that he swindled more than $1.5 million from an elderly woman under the guise of a romantic relationship, according to federal prosecutors.
Troy Clinton Van Sickle, 55, who worked as a janitor at a San Diego County preschool, faces multiple federal charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and falsifying records. Court documents allege that Van Sickle hid a criminal past filled with convictions for fraud, theft, extortion, and perjury to present himself to a wealthy, divorced woman as a successful businessman.
Federal prosecutors allege that after gaining the woman’s trust, Van Sickle claimed he was in a financial tight spot and needed money for business ventures. Instead of investing the money, prosecutors say he used the funds for personal expenses, casino gambling, payments on luxury cars, and to send money to other women…