Fortune Teller Arrested in Money-Cleansing Scam

Los Angeles Police Wednesday arrested a Colombian fortune teller they believe fleeced dozens of Harbor-area residents of tens of thousands of dollars through a money-cleansing scam.

In one case, officers said, a young couple met the woman, who warned them that evil spirits would soon destroy their lives unless they came up with $10,000 cash that could be purified in a series of prayers.

When they arrested the woman, tentatively identified as Anacelia Gomez, 52, also known as Edith Vasquez, of Bell Gardens, detectives found more than $70,000 in cash and jewelry valued at $125,000. Police said they are seeking a second woman, known only as Margarita who with Gomez allegedly operated the scams out of three Wilmington homes.