Fla. psychic gets prison for $2.2M fraud conspiracy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Nancy Marks, a South Florida woman who claimed to be a psychic with the ability to positively influence terminal cancer, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison Monday and was ordered to repay more than $2.2 million to her victims, reports the Sun-Sentinel newspaper.

Marks, 44, of Fort Lauderdale, pleaded guilty last year to her role in a massive fraud conspiracy led by her mother-in-law, Rose Marks, according to the paper.

“I am very ashamed,” Marks reportedly told the judge during her sentencing hearing through sobs. “Even though I was raised [to be a psychic] I should have known better and I do know better now.”

Marks and eight of her family members were arrested in 2011 on allegations they operated a $20 million fraud conspiracy against clients at their psychic stores in Fort Lauderdale and New York City.

Best-selling romance novelist Jude Deveraux reportedly lost the most money to the family of co-conspirators, which aimed to target clients at their most vulnerable times.

Marks’ 24-year-old daughter is currently serving four months for her role in the scheme. She is reportedly scheduled to be released from prison Sunday.

Rose Marks is expected to receive a much harsher punishment when she is sentenced in March, reports the paper.

Nancy Marks must begin serving her prison term by Feb. 14.