Marianne Smyth, a 54-year-old American woman, is facing extradition to the United Kingdom for allegedly scamming victims out of more than $170,000 in Northern Ireland. The accusations date back to 2008 to 2010, with Smyth being accused of promising to invest money for victims and selling a home but instead taking the money for herself. The extradition hearing will take place in federal court in Maine, with a ruling expected by May 1. If extradited, Smyth’s case will go to the Secretary of State for further consideration.
Smyth’s attorney, Kaylee Folster, has argued that her client is not guilty of the charges and has requested a hearing on the allegations. Smyth has not commented on the case, and her attorney has also declined to provide any further information. The case bears similarities to that of Anna Sorokin, who was convicted in New York for pretending to be a wealthy German heiress to finance a lavish lifestyle. One of Smyth’s victims, Johnathan Walton, started a podcast titled “Queen of the Con” in 2021 to warn others about her fraudulent activities.
Walton was scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars by Smyth, who claimed she needed the money due to a frozen bank account and bail after being jailed. Smyth had promised Walton a $7 million inheritance from her wealthy family in Ireland, leading him to believe he would be repaid. Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Megee, who prosecuted Smyth’s case, described her as someone who preys on people’s weaknesses and manipulates them for financial gain. Smyth’s elaborate schemes have left a trail of victims from California to New York who have shared their stories with Walton’s podcast.
Smyth’s victims have accused her of various deceptive acts, including starting a fake charity for Ukraine, claiming to be an emissary for Satan, a witch, a hockey coach, a cancer patient, and even best friends with Jennifer Aniston. She often changed her name and appearance to avoid detection, making it difficult for authorities to track her down. Heather Sladinski, a costume designer from Los Angeles, was scammed out of $20,000 by Smyth for psychic readings, fake life coach sessions, and cult-like retreats involving rituals and yoga.
Sladinski cut off contact with Smyth after a bizarre ritual involving a chicken to win back her ex-boyfriend, who had a restraining order against her. Smyth then began making threatening phone calls, leading Sladinski to move homes out of fear. She filed a police report against Smyth and testified at Walton’s trial. The podcast has drawn attention to Smyth’s fraudulent activities, with dozens of victims coming forward to share their experiences and seek justice for the money they lost. Smyth’s extradition hearing will determine her fate in the ongoing legal battle against her alleged scams.
