An Oklahoma woman seemingly became overly immersed in the online dating scene—but from the perspective of the perpetrator rather than the victim, officials say. Christine Echohawk is alleged to have pretended to be male to attract four older women. release From the office of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, allegations have been made against a 53-year-old Pawnee woman who allegedly defrauded her out-of-state victims, aged between 64 and 79 years old, of a combined sum of $1.5 million. According to the statement, all four individuals believed they were transferring money to or for the benefit of a male subject with whom they thought they had developed an online romantic connection.
According to an affidavit cited by CBS News In April 2023, Echohawk began grooming her initial target by portraying herself online under the alias "Edward Lotts," asserting she needed funds to settle a debt which was supposed to unlock $2 million for "Lotts." According to allegations, Echohawk reportedly assured this individual that upon receiving the substantial payment, they would live together. Following the sale of her house to gather the necessary amount, that woman transferred $600,000 to Echohawk.
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Officials report that Echohawk temporarily halted her fraudulent activities in January 2024 when legal authorities began investigating; however, she resumed operations by October, this time pretending to be "Jason Morris." She managed to convince another victim to hand over more than $100,000 through cash and Apple gift cards under the pretense that these were required to purchase materials and fuel for an oil tanker supposedly belonging to “Morris.” Other targets also dispatched money, gift cards, and cashier’s checks to Echohawk, according to information provided by Drummond's office. Her alleged criminal operation came to light in January due to a suspicious $120,000 cash transaction identified by her bank, MidFirst Bank, which originated from one of her purported victims.
Officials report that Echohawk would take the stolen funds, convert them into cryptocurrency, and subsequently transfer the digital currency to someone she referred to as Maurice Deniro; authorities suspect this might be an assumed identity. After her arrest on Monday, Echohawk now faces charges of money laundering along with accusations of violating state laws through computer use. Currently held at Pawnee County Jail, she risks potentially over 60 years in prison and fines totaling up to $260,000 should she be found guilty. “Scams aimed specifically at senior citizens are particularly reprehensible,” stated Drummond in the department’s official statement.
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The article initially appeared on Diwida.| Police: Woman Pretended to Be Men in Romance Frauds Aiming at Seniors
