Sweetheart Swindler Who Fooled 19 Women Sentenced To Long Prison Term
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A western Michigan man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after women lined up to tell a judge how the sweetheart swindler broke their hearts and emptied their wallets.
Authorities say at least 19 victims lost $300,000 to Jeffrey Lee Lucas, who used romance, lies and promises of repayments to get the money.
"This will affect these victims for the rest of their lives," said Chief Assistant Muskegon County Prosecutor Timothy M. Maat Friday in Muskegon County's 14th Circuit Court. "This is a crime where the defendant used his power and his manipulation and his control. It's more than just about taking money. He ravaged lives."
Lucas will be eligible for parole after roughly 9 1/2 years behind bars; the minimum sentence greatly exceeded state guidelines. His maximum sentence is 32 years in prison.
Lucas apologized in the courtroom and insisted he has a gambling addiction.
"I know what I've done is wrong. I'm very sorry for this," Lucas said."I'm asking the court for help. I need help. I'm not out there robbing people....I ask for the court's mercy and that I need some help. I really need some help."
His victims, however, aren't buying that.
About 10 women spoke in court, including professionals who were persuaded to give money to Lucas. When they ran out of money, he would disappear, leaving them humiliated and ashamed.
"He's a pathological liar that wouldn't know the truth if it him in the face," one victim said.
Kelly Duncan said she filed for bankruptcy after debts of more than $50,000, calling Lucas "a horrible person."
"I don't care if he says he needs help," she added. "He didn't need guidance from anybody. He knows right from wrong."
The Muskegon Chronicle reports Lucas pleaded guilty earlier to two cases of false pretenses between $1,000 and $20,000, involving two of his many victims. He was sentenced as a fourth-time or subsequent habitual offender. He has served prison time for similar and other felonies, dating back to 1998.
TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
