Florida woman Peaches Stergo has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for defrauding an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor of his life savings. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, who condemned Stergo’s actions as “unspeakably cruel” and motivated by “greed.” Stergo’s scheme lasted for over four years, during which she manipulated the Victim into giving her over $2.8 million.
The fraud began when Stergo met the Victim on a dating website seven years ago. In early 2017, Stergo asked the Victim to lend her money to pay her lawyer, claiming that funds from an injury settlement were being withheld. The Victim complied, believing Stergo’s story. However, it was later revealed that no such settlement funds existed, and Stergo had used the money for personal gain.
Over the next four and a half years, Stergo continued to deceive the Victim. She coerced him into depositing money into her bank accounts, threatening that if he didn’t comply, her accounts would be frozen, and he would never be paid back. The Victim wrote a total of 62 checks, totaling over $2.8 million, that were deposited into Stergo’s accounts.
To further perpetuate the fraud, Stergo created a fake email account posing as a TD Bank employee. She also fabricated letters and invoices to deceive the Victim into believing her lies. Stergo went as far as joking about the manipulation of the Victim’s emotions, showing her lack of remorse or sympathy for her actions.
While the Victim lost his life savings and was forced to give up his apartment, Stergo indulged in a life of luxury using the fraud proceeds. She purchased a home in a gated community, a condominium, a boat, and several high-end cars, including a Corvette and a Suburban. Additionally, Stergo enjoyed expensive trips, staying at luxurious hotels like the Ritz Carlton, and spent exorbitant amounts on meals, gold coins and bars, jewelry, and designer items from brands like Tiffany, Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.
Judge Ramos, in addition to the prison term, ordered Stergo to pay restitution in the amount of $2,830,775 and forfeit the same amount. This includes the home Stergo purchased and over 100 luxury items she acquired through the fraud. The items include Rolex watches, designer purses and clothing, and a significant amount of gold and jewelry.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that Stergo’s actions were not only a betrayal of trust but also an exploitation of a vulnerable individual. Williams stated that romance scammers like Stergo would be held accountable for their crimes. It is essential to ensure that perpetrators like Stergo are punished to deter others from engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of online scams and the importance of being cautious when developing relationships with people met through dating websites or social media platforms. It is crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical, especially when financial requests are being made.
The sentencing of Peaches Stergo sends a strong message that those who engage in romance scams will face severe consequences for their actions. It is a step towards justice for the Victim and a warning to others who may be tempted to carry out similar fraudulent schemes.
In conclusion, Peaches Stergo’s sentence of 51 months in prison for defrauding an elderly Holocaust survivor of his life savings is a significant development towards holding romance scammers accountable. The case sheds light on the importance of being cautious when forming relationships online and serves as a reminder that justice will be served for those who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
