Image: (Johnathan Walton - AP)
By Jon Donnis
A woman accused of orchestrating a multi-state scam under the guise of an Irish heiress and purported psychic abilities is slated for a crucial court appearance on Wednesday. Marianne Smyth, a 54-year-old American, faces potential extradition to the United Kingdom where she is alleged to have defrauded victims of over $170,000 between 2008 and 2010.
Smyth's saga took a new turn after her arrest in February in Maine, following years of eluding authorities. Her legal woes trace back to accusations of pilfering funds promised for investments and fraudulent real estate transactions in Northern Ireland. Legal documents reveal that arrest warrants were issued in 2021, leading to her eventual apprehension earlier this year. Currently detained at Piscataquis County Jail in Dover-Foxcroft, Smyth awaits her fate as legal proceedings unfold.
Represented by attorney Kaylee Folster, Smyth maintains her innocence, prompting a call for a hearing to address the charges against her. Neither Smyth nor her legal counsel offered comments regarding the ongoing case.
Echoing the infamous tale of Anna Sorokin, better known as the "Soho Grifter," Smyth's alleged deception entangled unsuspecting individuals across the United States. Notable among her victims is Johnathan Walton, who, spurred by his own experience, initiated the "Queen of the Con" podcast to alert others about Smyth's fraudulent activities. Smyth's modus operandi allegedly involved exploiting vulnerabilities and fabricating elaborate narratives to dupe her victims into parting with substantial sums of money.
Listen to Episode one on iTunes at https://apple.co/3JjDG0u
The podcast, "Queen of the Con," has served as a platform for numerous victims to share their encounters with Smyth, unveiling a pattern of deceit that spans from coast to coast. Heather Sladinski, a costume designer from Los Angeles, recounts being swindled out of $20,000 for purported psychic readings and dubious life coaching sessions. Smyth's repertoire allegedly included outlandish rituals and promises, leaving her victims disillusioned and financially depleted.
Smyth's purported aliases and chameleon-like behavior, coupled with her extravagant claims, have left a trail of devastation in her wake. From feigned associations with celebrities to fabricating charitable endeavors, Smyth's web of lies ensnared individuals from all walks of life.
As Smyth's extradition hearing looms, the prospect of justice for her alleged victims draws nearer. Yet, the enduring legacy of her deceit serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of misplaced trust and the allure of grandiose promises.
Season 1: The Irish Heiress
Marianne "Mair" Smyth is a new neighbor from Ireland with a $30 million inheritance coming to her any day. She's dating a Los Angeles politician and working as a psychic for A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. But in reality, she's a professional con artist using witchcraft, confidence tricks and dating apps to scam hundreds of thousands from dozens of unsuspecting victims all over the world. And that's only the beginning... # queen of the con mair smyth marianne smyth
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
For bonus content follow on Instagram @QueenOfTheCon
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