NEWS: Mastermind of Elaborate Psychic Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Over a Decade in Prison

Images: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia

By Jon Donnis

Gina Rita Russell, 35, originally from New York City and Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 125 months in prison for orchestrating a complex fraud, extortion, and money laundering operation. This scheme resulted in a Maryland man embezzling more than $4 million from his employer in Washington, D.C. Russell is the sixth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

In April 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Russell along with her ex-common-law husband Robert Evans, his brothers Tony John Evans and Corry Blue Evans, and their parents, Archie Kaslov and Candy Evans, all hailing from New York. These indictments were related to various charges linked to the elaborate scheme. Alarmingly, one of Russell's accomplices even threatened to harm the Maryland man's young children during the course of the extortion.

The evidence presented by the government revealed that Russell met a woman in Manhattan in October 2009 and conducted a fake psychic reading for her. Despite having no psychic abilities, Russell convinced the woman otherwise and told her that dire consequences would follow unless large sums of money were raised for Russell and her family. Initially, the woman provided funds from her legitimate employment, but Russell later persuaded her to lie to her father, claiming she needed money for therapy, sleep studies, and university fees. After giving his daughter substantial financial support, the father eventually ceased his assistance.

Russell then convinced the woman to engage in sex work to earn more money. The woman advertised sensual massage services online, including on Backpage.com. Through one of these ads, she met a Maryland man who fell in love with her and proposed, despite being married with children. Exploiting his affection, Russell and the woman, along with Robert Evans, Tony John Evans, Corry Blue Evans, and Archie Kaslov, extorted money and gold bars from him. The woman claimed she owed money to dangerous individuals and that her life was in jeopardy. Consequently, the Maryland man embezzled more than $4 million from his employer between January and March 2017. As part of the plot, Tony John Evans impersonated a mobster during phone calls with the Maryland man, even threatening his children. Russell also dictated threatening texts and provided the woman with instructions on what to tell the man.

Believing the embezzled funds were being delivered to mobsters, the Maryland man converted the money into cash and gold bars, which he then delivered to drop-off locations in New York, including hotel rooms. However, the funds were actually going to members of the Russell-Evans-Kaslov family.

In July 2019, Russell pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. Although her sentencing was initially scheduled for May 2024, the government discovered that Russell had engaged in similar criminal activities in Los Angeles. She convinced another woman of her psychic abilities, defrauded the woman's father, and persuaded her to raise money through sex work. Upon learning this, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan issued a warrant for Russell's arrest. She was detained on 19 March 2024 and has remained in custody since then.

In addition to her prison sentence of 10 years and five months, Judge Chutkan ordered Russell to pay $4,217,542.86 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release.

Tony John Evans, 35, and Robert Evans, 37, both pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion and were sentenced to five years in prison each. Corry Blue Evans, 31, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and received a 41-month prison sentence. Archie Kaslov, 57, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Candy Evans, 55, pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness by corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman, former Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Kent, and a team of supporting attorneys and paralegal specialists.

What should you do to avoid Psychic and Clairvoyant Scams

By Jon Donnis

Bromley Trading Standards has issued a crucial warning to residents, urging them to remain vigilant against scammers posing as psychics or clairvoyants. This alert follows a recent incident where a local resident was deceived into sending several cheques totaling over £100 in response to a fraudulent letter promising good fortune. Fortunately, the money was successfully recovered.

The following advice is not just for people of Bromley though, this advice should go to everyone in the UK so read carefully.

According to the Action Fraud website, psychic and clairvoyant scams typically involve fraudsters claiming to foresee either wonderful or terrible events in the victim's future. They then demand payment to provide a full report or to offer charms that purportedly ensure good luck or ward off bad luck. These charms, however, are worthless, and victims are often asked to keep the interaction confidential, which further isolates them and prevents timely intervention.

These scammers can make contact through various channels, including phone calls, emails, or letters. Regular payments may be solicited, and responding to such requests can result not only in financial loss but also in personal details being shared with other scammers, increasing the risk of further targeting.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Residents are advised to adopt the following protective measures:

Do Not Respond: If you receive unsolicited communications from individuals claiming to be psychics or clairvoyants, do not respond. Refrain from sending money or sharing personal or financial details.

Report Phishing Attempts: Forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and then delete them.

Seek Advice: If uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication, consult a trusted family member, friend, or advisor.

Report Scams: Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial information. Use the dedicated Stop Scams UK hotline by dialing 159.

Get Help: Reach out to Citizens Advice at 0808 223 1133 or visit their website for assistance. - citizensadvice.org.uk

File a Report: If you have been scammed or have lost money, report the incident to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or via their website. - actionfraud.police.uk

Stay Informed: The Metropolitan Police website offers resources, including guidebooks and videos, to help prevent fraud and cybercrime. 

  

Stay Updated and Find Reliable Traders

Residents can stay informed about the latest scam alerts and warnings by signing up for updates from Bromley Trading Standards. The service also maintains a fair-trader directory, ensuring residents can find trustworthy and reliable traders. For more details, visit bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked

And perhaps the most important advice you will ever received, NEVER GIVE A PENNY TO A PSYCHIC. They are ALL frauds, no exceptions.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Cleo

By Jon Donnis

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name Miss Cleo became synonymous with psychic readings and late-night infomercials. Known for her thick Jamaican accent, colourful attire, and the catchphrase "Call me now!", Miss Cleo was the face of the Psychic Readers Network (PRN), a widely recognized yet controversial psychic hotline service. However, behind the vibrant persona lay a tale of deception, legal battles, and the ultimate fall from grace. This article delves into the rise and fall of Miss Cleo, exploring the dynamics of her fame, the intricacies of the fraud allegations, and the aftermath of her downfall.

The Rise of Miss Cleo

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Youree Dell Harris on August 12, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, Miss Cleo's early life bore no signs of the persona she would later adopt. Before becoming the infamous psychic, Harris pursued a career in theater, working as a playwright and actress. Under the pseudonym Ree Perris, she was involved with the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle, where she authored plays and performed.

Transformation into Miss Cleo

The transformation from Youree Dell Harris to Miss Cleo began in the late 1990s when she joined the Psychic Readers Network. The network, which operated a pay-per-call service, featured psychics who provided advice and predictions over the phone. Harris adopted the character of Miss Cleo, claiming to be a shaman from Jamaica with mystical powers and a direct connection to the spiritual world. Her engaging persona, complete with a convincing accent and a commanding presence, quickly made her the star of PRN's advertisements.

National Fame

Miss Cleo's commercials became a staple of late-night television, drawing millions of viewers with their promise of insightful readings and life-changing advice. Her catchphrases, particularly "Call me now!", became part of popular culture. The combination of her vibrant personality and the public's fascination with the supernatural propelled Miss Cleo to national fame. She was not just a psychic; she became a cultural icon, recognized and imitated across various media.

The Fall of Miss Cleo

Controversy and Legal Troubles

As Miss Cleo's fame grew, so did scrutiny of her and the Psychic Readers Network's practices. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against PRN, accusing the network of deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices. The FTC alleged that PRN had misled customers by promising free readings that were, in fact, charged at exorbitant rates. Many customers reported unauthorized charges on their credit cards and difficulty in canceling services.

Unveiling the Deception

The legal battles revealed that Miss Cleo was not Jamaican and had no special psychic abilities. Her background as Youree Dell Harris from Los Angeles came to light, and her entire persona was exposed as a fabrication. The FTC's investigation concluded that the Psychic Readers Network had defrauded customers out of millions of dollars. In 2002, PRN agreed to a settlement, which included forgiving $500 million in customer charges and paying a $5 million fine to the FTC.

Media Backlash and Public Perception

The revelation of Miss Cleo's true identity and the fraudulent activities of PRN led to a significant media backlash. Satirical shows and comedians capitalized on the scandal, further tarnishing her image. The public, once captivated by her charisma, turned against her, seeing her as a symbol of exploitation and deceit.

Aftermath and Legacy

Life After the Scandal

Following the downfall of her Miss Cleo persona, Youree Dell Harris largely retreated from the public eye. She made occasional media appearances, including participating in documentaries and interviews where she discussed her side of the story. Despite the scandal, Harris maintained that she genuinely believed in her psychic abilities and that she had helped many people.

Cultural Impact

Despite the controversy, Miss Cleo's impact on popular culture is undeniable. Her character has been referenced in numerous TV shows, movies, and parodies, cementing her place in the pantheon of late-90s and early-2000s pop culture. The phrase "Call me now!" remains a recognizable catchphrase, often used humorously to evoke the era of TV psychics.

Death and Reflection

Youree Dell Harris passed away on July 26, 2016, from colon cancer. In the wake of her death, reflections on her life and career were mixed. Some viewed her as a charlatan who exploited vulnerable people, while others saw her as a talented performer caught up in a larger fraudulent enterprise. Regardless of one's perspective, the story of Miss Cleo serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the consequences of mixing entertainment with exploitation.

Conclusion

The rise and fall of Miss Cleo is a complex narrative that intertwines elements of performance, deception, and media influence. From her meteoric rise as a beloved TV psychic to her dramatic fall amid allegations of fraud, Miss Cleo's story is a compelling example of how quickly public perception can shift. Her legacy, marked by both notoriety and nostalgia, continues to be a topic of fascination and caution in the realm of pop culture and beyond.

Sources:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2002/11/miss-cleo-promoters-forgive-approximately-500-million-outstanding-consumer-charges-pay-additional-5-million-settle-ftc-charges

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2002/02/ftc-charges-miss-cleo-promoters-deceptive-advertising-billing-collection-practices