A Rockville psychic was arrested earlier this month in Queens after she allegedly took more than $77,000 in cash and property from a woman whom she told was cursed and could only be cured by providing the psychic with cash and gift cards.
Rockville police say Shanice Bell, 35, of an unknown address, was arrested by New York City police officers Oct. 2 after being tracked to a fortune-telling parlor known as “Sunnyside Psychic” in Queens.
Rockville police say the investigation into Bell began in April, when a 53-year-old woman told officers Bell had taken cash and property from her for “curse removal work” while working as a psychic at a home in the 200 block of Twinbrook Parkway. Bell had told the woman a curse had been placed on her at birth and harm would come to her and her family unless it was lifted, according to police.
Police said Bell obtained more than $77,000 in cash and property from the woman from October 2014 to March 2015. When the woman demanded Bell return the money and property, police said the psychic fled the state.
A private investigator hired by the victim then tracked Bell to New York City, where police officers were able to make an arrest based on a Maryland warrant, according to Rockville police.
Bell is charged with operating a theft scheme garnering between $10,000 to $100,000 and theft between $10,000 and $100,000. She is being held at Rikers Island in New York, according to police.
Rockville police warned that Bell, who is also known as “Psychic Gina” and “Erica Ufie”, may have victimized others and are asking anyone with additional information to call 240-314-8938.
