Oklahoma woman stole $1.5 million from elderly women in romance scams, officials say
CBSN
An Oklahoma woman who used online romance scams to steal $1.5 million has been charged with laundering money, police said Thursday.
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, allegedly targeted four elderly women ranging in age from 64 to 79, according to a news release from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The women, who do not live in Oklahoma, believed they were in a romantic relationship with a man and were sending the funds to him.
Echohawk allegedly began speaking with the first victim in April 2023, calling herself "Edward Lotts" and saying the money was needed to pay off a debt that would allow "Lotts" to receive a $2 million payment, according to an affidavit. Echohawk allegedly told the woman they could move in together once the money was released, and the victim sold her paid-off home to send Echohawk $600,000.
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