Watch CBS News

Florida Woman, Daughter Get Prison Time For $1.4M Psychics Scam Involving Snake Embryos

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — A Florida woman and her daughter, who claimed to be psychics, are heading to prison for a defrauding two victims out more than $1.4 million, court records show.

The SunSentinel reports that a federal judge on Friday sentenced Annie Marie Vwanawick, 74, to 42 months behind bars and 44-year-old April Miller to just over two years. The case involved two victims, one who was bilked out of $1.4 million and another defrauded of $10,000.

Court records show the pair claimed to be "white squaw Cherokee Indian" spiritual healers.

They allegedly used eggs containing snake embryos to convince customers they were cursed.

One victim, identified in court only as "Mrs. O.," said she was told she had to give the women money for "cleansing" during a divorce and then again needed to pay and turn over jewelry after her husband died because he had become a "demon."

Defense attorneys had asked for leniency, in part citing the pair's Gypsy heritage, but the judge imposed longer sentences than they sought because of past evidence of fraud.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.