CENTER TWP. – Township and state police believe more people may be victims of a self-proclaimed psychic accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her clients.
Police are investigating four cases of illegal fortunetelling and theft by 27-year-old Sophey M. Mills of Center Township. Officials said one case may involve the theft of about $18,000.
According to a police report, Mills scammed two people out of about $3,000 each through her business, Psychic and Tarot Card Readings by Sophia. Charges were filed in both cases last week.
Center Township Police Chief Barry Kramer said an undercover officer with the Pennsylvania State Police made an appointment with Mills for a $70 psychic and tarot card reading at her Brodhead Road home. Mills told the undercover officer she had a “karma issue” as a result of bad behavior in a “past life,” police said.
Kramer said he believes Psychic and Tarot Card Readings by Sophia has been in operation for several years.
“We’ve had complaints over time about the palm reading, and obviously there’s a sign on the property,” he said. “In order for us to get information, we had to get an undercover (officer) in there to confirm that that was, in fact, going on.”
After recent news stories regarding the charges filed against Mills, Kramer said more people notified police of their involvement.
“We have other victims coming forward. Currently, they are being investigated by the state police. One of this victims has alleged to have given her $18,000,” he said.
Kramer explained that most fortunetelling is done for entertainment purposes and doesn’t rise to the level of illegal behavior. In the case of Mills, Kramer said, victims were preyed upon for the purpose of theft.
“They’re desperate people in desperate situations, and they feel this is the only way to resolve their problems and she took advantage of that financially,” Kramer said.
Mills, of 3563 Brodhead Road, was charged by state police last week with theft by deception and fortunetelling. She was released on her own recognizance and is awaiting a preliminary hearing, records show.
State police Cpl. Eric Hermick warned people against patronizing Mills amid the investigation.
“Don’t patronize this lady. What she’s doing is illegal,” he said.
He stressed that other victims should come forward.
“It’s not a common investigation that we’ve been tasked with,” he said. “This was a whole different circumstance where this lady began preying on people’s weaknesses and their insecurities. Once she got them in the door, then she started certain rituals that she set up which cost them additional funds, money. When people are desperate, they do desperate things. That’s why it’s illegal. It’s not for entertainment.”
Mills is originally from the Florida area. Officials said she has advertised her services on websites including GroupOn.
To contact the Center Township Police Department, call 724-774-0272, and to contact the Brighton Township barracks of the state police, call 724-773-7400.
Kramer advised potential victims: “Don’t be afraid because other people, obviously, have been brought into the same network of deception by her. You’ve lost money, and you’ve been deceived by that through an illegal act.