New York scammer Shania Baptiste steals elderly Florida woman's life savings: police
Share and Follow

A New York “scumbag scam artist” swindled an elderly Florida woman out of her life savings as part of a heartless lottery scheme, police said on Wednesday.

Shania Baptiste, 25, and two others are accused of tricking an 85-year-old from Daytona Beach Shores into thinking she won $1 million through the prestigious Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, WFTV 9 reported.

The cruel culprits allegedly told the senior citizen that she had to pay taxes and fees up front to redeem the prize back in June.

The elder twice tried to wire Baptiste $20,000.

Initially, bank tellers warned her that wiring money for that reason was a scam so the suspects allegedly convinced the senior citizen to go to a different bank under the guise that she was sending the funds to her family in New York for home repairs, the outlet reported.

The suspects stole over $35,000, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

Baptiste, who is from Brooklyn, was extradited to Daytona Beach Airport on Feb 19, where Sheriff Chitwood delivered a harsh message to the alleged crook’s face.

“Shania, I am Sheriff Chitwood, and I want to let you know that we protect our seniors in this community,” Chitwood said in a video posted on X. “That’s why you’re here. I hope and pray there’s a special place in hell for you and Nielson Brooks for what you did to an 85-year-old woman and stealing her life’s savings. And I hope you enjoy your stay here. Welcome to Florida.”

Baptiste insisted that she was innocent.

“I’m sorry for the crime that was committed but it was not me,” Baptiste responded.

Chitwood credited the NYPD financial crimes unit for helping locate and transfer the alleged scammer.

Baptiste’s alleged accomplice Neilson Brooks was booked into Volusia County jail on Feb. 15.

He posted a bond and was able to leave nearly three hours later, jail records show.

Baptiste and Brooks face charges of Organized Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft over $20,000.

“If we track you down in the continental united states, your a– is coming back here and let everybody see what a scumbag you really are and the way you’re dealing with the elderly in our communities,” Chitwood added.

The sheriff’s office recovered $20,000 to give back to the victim.

The rest of the money isn’t expected to be paid back until after the case goes through the judicial process.

But Chitwood warned that the victim may never see the rest of the money again.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
California lawmaker proposes splitting state in two, calls Prop. 50 'a major catalyst'

California Legislator Suggests Dividing State, Citing Prop. 50 as Key Motivator

Following last week’s approval of Proposition 50 by California voters, which could…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney: 'I love representing the underdog'

Whistleblower Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell’s VIP Treatment in Prison: The Truth Behind the ‘Concierge-Style’ Life

A whistleblower has come forward with claims that Jeffrey Epstein’s associate is…
Jay Leno makes touching remark about caring for wife Mavis

Jay Leno Shares Heartfelt Insight on Devotion to Wife Mavis: A Love Story Beyond Fame

Jay Leno recently shared heartfelt thoughts on supporting his wife, Mavis Leno,…
Socialist who still lives off her parents to become Seattle mayor

Young Socialist with Unique Background Poised to Become Seattle’s Next Mayor

Seattle is on the verge of potentially choosing its first democratic socialist…
AI technology race is new 'cold war' between US and China that could have devastating consequences: report

AI Arms Race: How the US-China Tech Rivalry Mirrors a New Cold War with Global Implications

EXCLUSIVE: A recent analysis from a conservative think tank suggests that artificial…
Trump dismisses economic anxiety with 'fake' polls

Trump Dismisses Economic Concerns, Labels Polls as ‘Fake

President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about concerns over the U.S. economy,…
Christine Pelosi announces she won't run for mom Nancy's House seat

Christine Pelosi Declines to Pursue Mother’s Legacy in Congress: What This Means for Nancy Pelosi’s Seat

Christine Pelosi has decided not to pursue her mother’s vacant congressional seat,…
Turning Point college tour makes final stop at UC Berkeley

Turning Point College Tour Concludes with Exciting Finale at UC Berkeley

Turning Point USA is staging a significant event this evening at the…