Jessie Alexander, Fla. woman, poses as TV producer to scam businesses, police say
(CBS) PALM BEACH, Fla. - Jessie Alexander, a 41-year-old Florida woman, was arrested Tuesday on accusations she posed as a FOX television producer and promised business owners publicity in exchange for a $3,500 fee, reports CBS affiliate WPEC-TV.
PICTURES: Cops: Fla. woman poses as TV producer in scam
The scheme reportedly reeled in at least $23,000 from Palm Beach County business owners in just a couple of months.
"This was not a low-caliber scam," Palm Beach Police Spokesman Fred Hess said. "This was somebody who was going after the big bucks."
Police records show Alexander, who goes by multiple names, including Yessenia Jimenez and Yessenia Montalvo, has been arrested several times since 1990, the station reports. She has reportedly faced charges of burglary, prostitution and battery.
According to the most recent arrest report, Alexander approached several business owners in April and offered them a 30-minute television special, among other publicity perks, in exchange for $3,500. At least eight people bought it, signing contracts topped with logos for FOX 29 and Love PR. Although the money was exchanged and specials were filmed and posted on YouTube, they never aired on TV, WPEC reports.
Several business owners asked for their money back, but they never got it. Police were eventually notified and began investigating in June.
Upon investigation, representatives from FOX 29 and Love PR reportedly told police that Alexander had no affiliation with them and was using their logos without permission.
A police report says Alexander spent most of the money she gained through the alleged scam on shopping, hotels, restaurants, spas and a condo association.
"There was nothing to indicate the money was used for what it was intended for," the report reads.
Police say they believe other victims may be out there, noting that people may be embarrassed to admit they were fooled.
"Who knows where this has been done previously," police spokesman Hess said.
Alexander, who was released from jail Wednesday, could not be reached for comment, WPEC reports.
