Colorado Woman Accused of Multi-State Elder Fraud Scheme

A Colorado woman is facing new allegations of orchestrating a widespread fraud scheme that targeted elderly men, with investigators estimating the total losses to victims could reach nearly half a million dollars. Priscilla Johnson, 33, has been charged with additional counts of crimes against at-risk individuals, theft, and forgery, building upon a previous guilty plea.

Johnson had previously pleaded guilty to theft and criminal exploitation of an at-risk elder after defrauding a 90-year-old man out of $40,000. As part of that plea, she was ordered to return the money and received a deferred sentence, according to the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office. Investigators, however, initiated a second case after uncovering evidence suggesting her scams were systemic.

According to court documents, Johnson would approach elderly men, often at grocery stores, and present a fabricated sob story. In one instance, she allegedly told a victim her fiancé had died and she was struggling financially. She is accused of telling one man her car had been broken into and her makeup artist equipment stolen, totaling $6,000. Shortly after, she reportedly claimed she needed $38,000 for a cancer treatment and a kidney transplant. The victim told police he withdrew $34,000 in cash, believing they were in a romantic relationship. His suspicions were raised when Johnson requested cash for medical expenses, prompting him to alert authorities.

Investigators found evidence on Johnson's phone indicating she may have scammed at least two other individuals. One 80-year-old man reported meeting Johnson at a grocery store parking lot. She allegedly told him she had left Arizona with her two children after her fiancé was killed in an automobile accident. He reportedly gave Johnson $8,000, which she claimed was needed because her phone and makeup kit were stolen from her sister's vehicle and they required the funds for their cosmetology business.

Another man, 61-year-old Mike Hansen, alleged that Johnson posed as another woman and convinced him to invest in her gold business. After an initial small investment that yielded a profit, Hansen reportedly gave her an additional $100,000. He continued investing until he had lost a total of $450,000.

Johnson has not yet entered a plea to the new charges. Her next court hearing is scheduled for November 3. Information regarding her attorney was not immediately available.