Ten-Time Convicted Scammer Pleads Guilty to $1.8 Million Romance Fraud Scheme Targeting Two Elderly Women

Lynx Summary

SAN DIEGO – Troy Clinton Van Sickle, a resident of Temecula, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he stole more than $1.8 million from two elderly women he claimed to be romantically interested in, and then obstructed federal law enforcement efforts to investigate the fraud scheme. According to his plea agreement, Van Sickle targeted a wealthy divorced woman in Los Angeles and cultivated what appeared to be a romantic relationship in order to gain access to her finances. Van Sickle concealed his criminal history, which included convictions for fraud, theft, extortion, and perjury, and instead portrayed himself as a trustworthy and successful businessman.