"Psychic" admits bilking elderly clients

"Psychic" admits bilking elderly clients

MIAMI (Reuters) - A self-proclaimed psychic and fortuneteller pleaded guilty Thursday to bilking elderly clients in south Florida out of more than $2 million over an eight-year period, federal officials said.

Linda Marks, 57, of Delray Beach, was accused of preying on the elderly and people suffering from incurable diseases, telling them she could cure them by praying over their money.

Marks pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to fraud and corruption charges and admitted cheating her elderly victims out of more than $2 million between 1994 and 2002, U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta said in a statement.

A Delray Police detective, Jack Makler, 64, pleaded guilty to corruption charges for using his position on the police force to help keep Marks out of jail and avoid violating probation, Acosta said.

Makler admitted taking money and other property from Marks at a time when he was investigating her and acknowledged lying to local and federal authorities about his handling of her cases, Acosta said.

Marks faces up to 15 years in prison while Makler faces up to five years. Sentencing is scheduled for May 10.

"The illegal conduct in this case was particularly egregious because the defendant's actions resulted in the continued victimization of elderly and vulnerable people, many of whom lost their life savings through fraud," Acosta said in the statement.

"We will not tolerate the conduct of those law enforcement officers who, through their illegal actions, bring disrespect to their colleagues, sell their position and betray the public trust," he added.