Newton psychologist to plead guilty to fraud, money laundering, allegedly fell victim to scam

"In February 2022, the victim allegedly asked Brown to be the trustee of their trust, which held their approximately $700,000 settlement from the accident. Brown allegedly had exclusive control over the victim's money and was required as trustee to use it for the victim's "health, support and maintenance," according to prosecutors. Brown later allegedly fell victim to a scammer pretending to be in an online relationship with him,"

"Brown could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, for the wire fraud charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. For the money laundering charge, he could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater."

Eric Brown, 76, agreed to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in an unlawful money transaction after allegedly defrauding two victims of nearly $1 million. A psychotherapy patient who held an approximately $700,000 settlement named Brown trustee in February 2022; Brown then allegedly controlled and depleted the trust, was drawn into an online romantic scam, and invested $600,000 overseas without informing the patient. Separately, Brown allegedly persuaded a relative to lend him $310,000 for supposed commercial building improvements while concealing the online relationship and overseas investment. He faces substantial prison terms and fines.

Read at Boston.com