Recently, deputies were dispatched to a trespassing call involving two females who had been asked to leave a residence multiple times but refused. When deputies arrived on scene, it became clear there was more to the incident than simple trespassing.
Detectives were notified and began an investigation and determined the two individuals, Sylvia Marks and Brittany Nicholas, had been extorting an elderly male.
The extortion began when Sylvia approached the victim at a local grocery store and asked if he remembered her. She attempted to conceal her identity by telling the victim her name was Anna.
She convinced him they knew each other and over the following weeks, Sylvia convinced the victim to allow her to move into his home, later invited Brittany to move in as well, falsely presenting her as her daughter.
The victim reported that, in a short period of time, he had spent or given approximately $25,000 to Sylvia and Brittany. He also told investigators he had numerous items missing to include a few rings. Investigators also discovered the victim had been assaulted by Brittany a few days prior, resulting in bruising his arm.
During the investigation detectives determined this was not an isolated incident and identified another victim who had been targeted using the same tactics. That victim lived just miles away.
Both females were arrested and transported to the Union County Detention Center. Each was charged with two counts of Exploitation of an Elder and two counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony. Sylvia was also charged with Misdemeanor Larceny. Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, and Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing (RDO). Brittany Nicholas also received an additional charge of assault, as well as RDO charge during the initial investigation.
Sylvia was seen by a Judicial Official and issued a $501,000 secured bond. Nicole was seen by a Judicial Official and issued a $400,000 secured bond. Both females are still housed in the Union County Detention Center.
Incidents like this serve as an important reminder that con artists can be very convincing. Please check in on elderly family members and loved ones. Staying involved and offering support can help prevent seniors from becoming victims of exploitation
