Nikolas Kerest U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont has announced an indictment against Cedric Wormely, a 58-year-old resident of Birmingham, Alabama. The federal grand jury returned the indictment on January 2, 2025, charging Wormely with ten counts of wire fraud related to an alleged romance fraud scheme. These charges follow a criminal complaint filed in September 2024.
During his arraignment on February 3, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, Wormely pleaded not guilty. Judge Doyle decided that Wormely would remain detained while the case is ongoing.
Court documents allege that Wormely created a scheme to defraud a victim from Vermont by pretending to be a New England resident living in Cumberland, Maine. He reportedly claimed he had been employed for decades and showed romantic interest in the victim. In July 2022, Wormely allegedly met the victim through an online dating platform and initiated what she believed was a genuine romantic relationship.
Wormely purportedly informed the victim about difficulties accessing his pension and requested her financial support for a construction project in Mississippi. Believing his promises to repay her and trusting his intentions were sincere, the victim transferred over $100,000 to him via money transfer applications and wire transfers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlights that an indictment includes only allegations and emphasizes that Wormely is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to twenty years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. The final sentence will be determined by the District Court based on guidelines from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines along with statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigatory work carried out by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Michelle Arra are prosecuting this case while Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth represents Wormely.
Both the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office urge individuals who suspect they might have fallen victim to similar schemes to reach out via email at USSSBurlingtonVT@usss.dhs.gov or phone at (802) 651-4091.
