Florida
Two Monument women defrauded out of nearly $4 million, suspects arrested in Florida
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A couple is behind bars is Lee County, Florida this week after officials say they defrauded two women in Monument out of millions of dollars. Philip and Nicole Scolaro are now facing five felony charges.
One of the victims was blind and elderly at the time of the alleged scene. She’s now dead and was not able to find justice while alive.
“It happens way too often. I think a lot of it is again they don’t know that it is a scam,” said Annie Hewitt, the Director of Health and Wellness at Silver Key Senior Services.
The Scolaros told their victims they were the owners of a working gold mine in Africa. Over the course of three years, the pair stole more than $4 million from two women, according to a 17 page grand jury indictment from the State of Colorado.
The Scolaros were arrested in Lee County, Florida at the end of October.
The pair reportedly asked for investors to help extract, secure, and transport gold from their so-called mine, with a promise of a return of their investment. That money in-turn was used for their own personal expenses, buying properties and luxury cars.
According to the indictment, one of the victims, Martha Larson, was an at-risk person during the scheme. She transferred over three properties to the Scolaros totaling more than $2.1 million. The second victim, Leslie Cohen, gave them more than $800,000.
“It’s really sad when that happens because to be able to recover from that, it’s almost impossible,” said Hewitt.
The indictment also details this would not be Philip’s first offense. The court papers detail that he has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1987 in New Jersey.
Philip is also facing criminal charges in Florida, including grand theft and fraud of less than $20,000.
No word yet on when the couple will be extradited back to Colorado.
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Florida
Florida woman confesses to stabbing 76-year-old roommate to death, authorities say
A Florida woman confessed to stabbing her 76-year-old roommate to death before covering his body with a tarp, stealing his truck and driving away from the scene, according to authorities.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Shannon R. Giblin, 48.
Shannon R. Giblin (Photo: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office)
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said deputies were dispatched to a home on Sunday after they received a report about a person who was not breathing. When they arrived at the home, they found a man, later identified as Paul De Wayne Bradley, who was dead.
Police said they tracked Giblin down in Bradley’s truck, which was missing from the driveway, in Sarasota County.
“As Charlotte County detectives questioned Giblin, she provided a confession to stabbing Bradley following an argument,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said in the release.
“After realizing that the victim was beyond help, Giblin then covered Bradley with a tarp and left the scene in the victim’s pickup truck,” Prummell added.
Online jail records show Giblin was charged with second-degree murder, as well as grand theft of a motor vehicle.
“I want to recognize my Major Crimes detectives who worked this case through the night and identified the suspect quickly,” Prummell said. “They truly show a dedication to their craft and the results are irrefutable. I also want to thank the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for their quick actions in locating and detaining her based on the intelligence my team was able to share. As I have always said, Southwest Florida is fortunate to have law enforcement who work together so effectively for the people we serve.”
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Giblin is being held without bond, according to the release.
Florida
Florida No Kings protests planned for Stuart, Fort Pierce
There are two No Kings protests planned for the Treasure Coast; one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce.
No Kings Day protests are scheduled for March 28, with over a thousand protests planned across the United States.
Organizers say the No Kings events will challenge President Donald Trump as he escalates “his attempts to control us.” Dozens of protests are planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast.
Here’s what to know about the protests.
What is a No Kings protest?
No Kings is a nationwide protest organized in response to President Donald Trump and his administration.
“It is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country,” according to the nokings.org website. “If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken.”
One core principle of No Kings is a commitment to nonviolent action. The organization’s website states participants should seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with dissenters and act lawfully.
No Kings protest in Stuart
No Kings protest in Fort Pierce
No Kings protests in Florida
There are dozens of protests planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast, with one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce. Find a protest near you.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
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