As a result of a lengthy criminal investigation by the Halton Regional Police Service 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB), a 32-year-old Milton woman has been charged for Extortion, Fraud Over $5000 and Witchcraft – Fortune Telling.
The investigation commenced in May of this year when a victim came forward to reveal that they had consulted with a psychic and had been defrauded of an amount totaling over $60,000. Police learned that the accused was operating an Ontario registered business known as, “Milton Psychic” located on Ontario Street South in the town of Milton.
On October 18th, 2018 detectives arrested the accused without incident. Following the woman’s arrest, a search warrant was executed on the business and evidence was recovered.
Charged with Extortion, Fraud over $5,000 and Witchcraft – Fortune Telling is Dorie “Madeena” Stevenson, 32, of Milton.
“What we typically see is a tendency for perpetrators to take advantage of persons when they are in their most vulnerable state. Victims are manipulated into believing something bad will happen to them unless they remit cash. We even see incidents where victims are required to make purchases and remit these purchases in order to be cleansed. Purchased items include; new cell phones, jewelry, appliances and gift cards. Purchases are made under the assumption these items will be returned, but they never are. When victims cannot be squeezed any longer, the perpetrators rely on the victim’s embarrassment in not contacting police”. Detective Sergeant Dave Costantini said.
It is believed that there may be other victims that have yet to come forward. Police are requesting that victims contact Detective Constable Sarah McCullagh of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2419.
Please be reminded that all persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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