Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A woman from Las Vegas, Nevada, has been indicted on 21 counts for allegedly defrauding older men she met through online dating services. Aurora Phelps, 43, is accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, and kidnapping resulting in death. She is currently detained in Mexico.
The indictment alleges that between July 1, 2021, and December 9, 2022, Phelps would meet older men online and later in person to execute her scheme. It is claimed she drugged the victims to access their financial accounts unlawfully for personal gain.
This case follows a two-year investigation by the FBI Las Vegas Division and was presented by a federal grand jury in September 2023. "If convicted on all counts," stated Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division, "Phelps faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison."
The investigation was made possible through cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Steven J. Rose.
An FBI website has been set up to identify potential victims of this alleged scam. Individuals who suspect they or someone they know may have been victimized are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-aurora-phelps-investigation.
For seniors experiencing financial fraud or needing support regarding elder fraud issues, assistance is available via the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), operated by the Office for Victims of Crime under the Justice Department.
Additional resources are provided through various platforms including elderjustice.gov and www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch among others listed for further information on elder justice initiatives and consumer protection efforts.
It should be noted that an indictment only constitutes an allegation; defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
