Bond Granted For Family Charged In $40M Fortune-Telling Scam
MIAMI (CBS4) – A South Florida family of fortune tellers, arrested in August, have been granted bond.
A federal magistrate judge originally ordered matriarch Rose Marks and her sons and daughters-in-law held without bond after they were arrested for charges including wire and mail fraud. Authorities say the family preyed on vulnerable victims, promising to break curses and heal diseases in exchange for money.
According to the indictment, the family amassed $40 million from victims, including gold coins and expensive jewelry.
Judge Kenneth Marra ruled Friday that the family be allowed to be released on bond.
Authorities began investigating the family in 2007 after a victim complained about losing $3,000.
Authorities say the family ran their fortune-telling business in upscale neighborhoods in South Florida starting in 1991.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurence Bardfeld said victims who were going through vulnerable phases in life forked over cash, gold coins, jewelry and other valuables to the fortune tellers.
An attorney for one family member said the clan provided counseling for victims who had nowhere to turn.
Attorneys for the Marks say they have strong ties to the community and operated legitimate businesses licensed by the city.
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