Manhattan Psychics Get Probation for $1 Million Confidence Scheme

Photo by Alina Vilchenko from Pexels

In Manhattan, New York, there are many victims of fraud surrounding a pair of Midtown psychics named Ann Thompson and Sarah Demitro. This pair received no jail time back on Thursday for fraud, nor did they receive jail time for grand larceny, and other theft-related charges.

In sum, they have reportedly stolen over $1 million from their clients.

You can see a video of the story below, including what Ann and Sarah look like:

One victim reportedly said:

"Crime pays."

Meanwhile, another victim wailed:

“How can this be?”

Some victims were upset over the verdict at the Manhattan Supreme Court Justice. Gregory Carro seemingly provided a light sentence for Ann Thompson, alternatively known as "Psychic Zoe" and her subordinate, named Sarah Demetrio.

Each received a five years probation sentence and both were ordered to repay the victims a portion of what they had stolen from them.

Two of their victims asked Gregory Carro to impose a harsher and more substantial sentence for the confidence crimes committed by the duo.

You can watch a video on what to watch out for when it comes to confidence crimes (and other scams):

Confidence crimes are defined as attempts to defraud a person or group of people after first gaining their trust. They are often used to exploit victims through compassion, greed, naivete, and many more. In other words, it's basically like a ripoff or a scam.

Furthermore, these same two victims reported being drained of their life savings as they entered retirement.

Often, in confidence crimes, the elderly are the most vulnerable. According to Arizona State University, fraud committed on elders is commonplace and involves investments, contributions, fake prizes, loans, so-called remedies, mail, and/or face-to-face contact.

It is unclear as to how many elders are affected by confidence crimes every year since they are typically underreported.

One of the victims reportedly stated (with tears streaming down her cheeks):

“Respectfully, Ann Thompson often bragged to me that she should have been a lawyer or a judge since she knew how to game the system. Was she right?”

This victim, who was disguised in court with a white wig and kept her identity anonymous to reporters, reportedly met Ann during a trip to the city from her home in Canada.

This victim reported that the plea deal agreement would only ensure that she is repaid only $200,000 of the more than $741,000 Thompson stole from her originally. In other words, she is still losing out on a lot of money.

“Judging from the number, Ann Thompson has made almost 10 times as much money to sit in jail [awaiting for her trial] in eight months than most prosecutors at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office make in one year."

This victim had pleaded:

“I ask you, your honor, where is the justice in that?”

Gregory did not let the woman finish with her statement. He pointed out that the plea deal created and drafted by the defense and prosecution of the case is ironclad.

The woman yelled as Gregory adjourned the case:

“Please give me my money back, sir. My life depends on this!"

There was a second victim who spoke during Thursday's sentencing via an electronic link from his home in the midwest. This victim reported that Thompson and her subordinates sought out and identified those who were vulnerable and weak.

The second victim, who also requested anonymity, reportedly said:

“Ann Thompson convinced me that my son was being tormented by an evil spirit and that was causing all the relationship problems we were experiencing.”

Looking sad, he also mused:

“Looking back on the whole situation, I understand how ridiculous this all sounds.”

This male victim described the offer created and drafted by Manhattan DA Cy Vance’s office as “a travesty of justice”. He worries that it will embolden bad people in the psychic industry to continue seeking out the vulnerable and weak.

The male surmised:

“Here is what she has learned: Crime pays — and it pays very well."

When it was Ann's turn to speak, she reported:

“I never knew how much I hurt them until I was in jail. I don’t expect her [the first victim] to accept my apology, but I hope maybe she will find it in her heart someday. I am very, very sorry.”

Sarah declined to say anything before being sentenced.

In April, Ann pleaded guilty and admitted that she, Sarah, and her daughter Jaycie George convinced their clients that they had suffered from various psychic maladies that could only be cured by paying her some very expensive mystical rituals.

Ann even stated:

“In fact, I do not have any kind of psychic power."

from the sounds of it, she had made up and concocted these various rituals. Yet, somehow she was able to swindle over $1,000,000 from over 20 different clients between the timeframe of February 2013 all the way to August 2018.

As for the lawyer representing the victims, Frank Rothman, he reported that his clients were generally happy with the deal.

He even said:

“Look, I don’t know how people fall for these scams. I’ll never get it.”

As for the people of Manhattan, New York, just be vigilant of any people that you know who are seeking out any psychics. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and sick, may not always realize what they are doing, and we want to make sure our friends and family are safe.

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