A Sacramento woman accused of being the so called "Sweetheart Swindler" was arrested on Tuesday.

Thirty-six-year-old Belinda Mitchell was booked on charges of obtaining property by false pretenses. She's being held without bail.

The case came to light when the victim called the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department to report that a woman he'd been involved with had swindled him out of more than $300,000. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Mitchell. Police say other suspects may be involved.

The victim told police he met Mitchell at a fast food restaurant. A relationship ensued, despite the fact that Mitchell lived nearby with her husband and children. During the time she spent with the victim, Mitchell allegedly used a variety of means to swindle or steal money from him.

In addition to romantic attachments, investigators warn that swindlers will use a variety of other means to get money and property from unsuspecting victims. In some cases, the scam artists even use their use their own children as a device to gain sympathy.

Detectives ask that anyone who feels they've been defrauded by an individual or group to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department at (916) 874-5115.
Story last updated Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 5:06 PM