3rd member of Georgia-based ‘romance scam’ co-conspirator convicted in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A third member of an Atlanta-based conspiracy that took money from unsuspecting seniors in Rhode Island was convicted in federal court in Rhode Island.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said Sadae Mills, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Cunha said that Mills admitted to a federal judge that she received payments that she knew were fraudulently obtained through internet and app-based scams.

Mills involvement in the scam began in April 2018 and continued for about three months.

On multiple occasions, the 28-year-old took money orders, cash, and wire transfers and deposited the funds into her bank account.

She would then withdraw or transfer the funds when directed to do so by a co-conspirator.

“In doing so, Mills acted with the intent to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the funds,” Cunha said.

Mills admitted that she deposited a total of $34,710 in fraud proceeds into her bank account. She also admitted to spending some of the funds, transferring the proceeds to other banks, and withdrew some of the funds in cash.

She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.