Woman Arrested In Alleged 'Sweetheart Scam'

Alleged Scam Cost Victim More Than $300,000

POSTED: 12:35 p.m. PDT June 12, 2003
UPDATED: 12:42 p.m. PDT June 12, 2003

CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. -- Sacramento County authorities have arrested a woman in connection with a "sweetheart scam" that allegedly cost a man more than $300,000.

Investigators say Belinda Mitchell, 36, met the man three years ago at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Citrus Heights. The two started dating, and over time she told the victim that she needed money for medical procedures.

Authorities say the 34-year-old victim sold stocks, incurred credit card debt, and took out a second mortgage to get Mitchell the money she said she needed. He even proposed marriage to her.

Investigators say Mitchell was married to another man the entire time, and that more arrests are possible in the case.

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