Florida "cartomancer" jailed and must pay $ 1.6 million to a woman she is believed to have been cursed for

A self-proclaimed Florida fortune-teller was sentenced to nearly three-and-a-half years in prison and $ 1.6 million to pay $ 1.6 million to a Texan who made her believe she was cursed, the authorities said.

Sherry Tina Uwanawich, 28, targets a woman from Houston, identified by "V.G." in court documents, she met in 2007, according to the US Attorney's Office in Miami.

"Uwanawich gained the trust of the victim and convinced her that a curse had been inflicted upon her, as well as her family," said a federal prosecutor earlier this week. "The defendant claimed that she needed large sums of money to buy items, such as crystals, candles, etc., needed for the meditation work to lift the plague. victim would have been led to believe that endangered for herself and her family ".

The fraudulent cartomancer was enriched "by procuring money, jewels and other valuables based on false pretenses", while she "claimed to have powers given by God who allowed him to help people afflicted with curses, "according to a large indictment.

The victim was urged to deposit money directly into Uwanawich's bank accounts and the fraudster also received money by Western Union wire transfer, specified the act of 39; accusation.

"The accused would order the victim not to talk or talk to others about their meetings or the large sums the victim was paying him, claiming that it would ruin" work "", according to the indictment .

Uwanawich, also known as "Jacqueline" or "Jacklyn Miller," pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 40 months in prison by US District Judge Rodolfo A. Ruiz, prosecutors said. She must also pay restitution.

The scheme ended in 2014 when Uwanawich told his brand that there had never been a real curse.

Uwanawich's attorney could not be reached immediately for a comment on Thursday.