Eugene Robert LeClear, 52, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly defrauding a woman he met online out of nearly $96,000.
According to court documents, LeClear initiated an online relationship with the victim in 2022 and subsequently began requesting money for fabricated medical expenses, a criminal bond, and other false pretenses.
He promised to repay her, claiming access to substantial funds from gambling and past criminal activity.
Read: Poll: In Florida, Politics And Romance Are Increasingly Like Oil And Water: They Don’t Mix
“Romance scammers are expert manipulators who develop relationships that feel very real,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Victims are understandably reluctant to come forward because they are embarrassed, but we hope they still will so that action can be taken to prevent others from being harmed.”
LeClear is charged with five counts of wire fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The actual sentence, if convicted, will be determined by a judge based on sentencing guidelines and other factors.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.