Charges have been filed against an Oklahoma woman who is being accused of laundering nearly $1.5 million in funds obtained through online romance scams, targeting elderly women.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested Monday, and is accused of laundering money from out-of-state victims between Sept. 30, 2024, and Dec. 26, 2024.
Officials said that all the victims were women between the ages of 64 and 79.
The victims believed they were sending money to a male subject whom they thought they were in an online relationship with, according to a news release from Drummond’s office.
FLEETWOOD MAC BACKUP SINGER LOST MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN ROMANCE SCAM
Drummond noted that one woman even sold her house so that she could send $600,000 to the scammer.
“These types of scams that target seniors are especially egregious,” Drummond said. “I applaud the work of my Consumer Protection Unit to fight for these victims and to hold accountable their alleged perpetrator.”
ALARMING NUMBER OF AMERICANS SCAMMED OUT OF LIFE SAVINGS HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON, PROMPTING LAWMAKER RESPONSE
The victims also sent Apple gift cards, cash and cashiers’ checks as well as wired money to accounts owned by Echohawk at MidFirst Bank, according to the news release.
Drummond’s office was also alerted by the bank in January after it held a $120,000 transfer from one of the victims, suspecting senior fraud activity.
ROMANCE SCAMS ON THE RISE AS AMERICANS LOOK TO DATING APPS FOR LOVE: 5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Echohawk was confronted in January 2024 by law enforcement about suspected criminal activity, Drummond’s office said, but allegedly continued to launder funds after a short hiatus.
Officials said Echohawk is believed to have been converting the funds into cryptocurrency and sending those payments to an unidentified suspect.
Echohawk was charged with unlawful use of criminal proceeds and using a computer to violate state statutes. She faces five counts that, together, carry 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
Anyone is encouraged to report suspected fraud to Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s Consumer Protection Unit at 833-681-1895 or [email protected].
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
Read the full article here
