Man pleads guilty to defrauding 30 women of $1.3M after pretending to be doctor in dating scam

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida man was sentenced to 9 years in federal jail after pleading responsible to defrauding greater than 30 girls of greater than $1.3 million by pretending to be a health care provider on on-line relationship companies, prosecutors mentioned Thursday.

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Brian Brainard Wedgeworth, 47, who previously lived within the Florida capital metropolis of Tallahassee and in Middle Level, Alabama, used 10 totally different aliases as a part of the scheme, in accordance with courtroom information.

“Our residents shouldn’t be preyed upon by fraudsters who steal by means of overtures of affection,” U.S. Legal professional Jason Cody mentioned in a information launch.

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Wedgeworth made guarantees to the ladies to con them into sending him cash, jewellery and watches, in accordance with courtroom paperwork. He pleaded responsible to 25 counts, together with wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated id theft and cash laundering.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service and the Inner Income Service, and authorities mentioned they’re looking for any further victims.

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Wedgeworth’s sentence shall be adopted by three years of supervised launch. He can even be required to pay practically $1.2 million in restitution.