(WOODSFIELD, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Monroe County Prosecutor James L. Peters today announced that a woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $641,908 in restitution for defrauding people in eastern Ohio and West Virginia.
Darlene Baldwin, 67, of Clarington, was sentenced today in the Monroe County Common Pleas Court. She previously pleaded guilty to one count each of aggravated theft, attempted telecommunications fraud, and attempted money laundering.
According to investigators, Baldwin lied to people about needing money for various reasons, such as claiming she had a serious illness or that she was at risk of losing her home. She generally promised to pay people back promptly, but instead of paying them back, she wired the funds to other people, knowing the money would end up overseas with a man she had been communicating with online.
“Our goal was to stop the scam,” Attorney General DeWine said. “The defendant knew she was taking advantage of people, but she kept doing it anyway. We take these cases seriously, and we appreciate the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in stopping these types of crimes.”
“I want to thank the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for responding so quickly after this investigation was referred to them for prosecution,” said Monroe County Prosecutor James L. Peters. “I believe today’s result ensures that Ms. Baldwin will not be able to continue taking financial advantage of those who placed their trust in her.”
The case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Unit and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office (in West Virginia) and the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
An attorney from the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Unit was appointed to handle the case as a special prosecutor by the Monroe County Prosecutor.
Individuals who suspect a scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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