A palm reader whose business on 29 North was raided by federal agents several months ago has now been indicted on fraud charges. 40-year-old Sandra Marks, also known as Catherine Marks, is accused of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
Marks was the owner of the palm reading business known as “Readings by Catherine,” a business at the intersection of Austin Drive and 29 North in Albemarle. Federal authorities say in addtiion to palm readings, she offered candle readings, tarot card readings, and other services. Marks was arrested Thursday and had an initial appearance in the federal court for the Eastern District of New York.
Marks has been charged with 31 counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. Federal prosecutors say she unjustly enriched herself by obtaining money, jewelry and other items of value from her customers based on false pretenses, representations, promises and omission of material facts. They say Marks claimed she was clairvoyant and able to see into the past and the future, and that she told clients she had a “gift from God” and was able to communicate with spirits and guides, including the “Prince of Illusion,” who would relay information to her about clients.
The indictment says some of the customers suffered from emotional distress and mental disorders, had recently gone through personal traumatic events in their lives, or who were emotionally vulnerable, fragile and gullible. The indictment states that Marks told her clients that she could not and would not use the money and valuables furnished as “sacrifices” for her own personal benefit. Once cleansed, she assured her clients that the money and valuables would be returned to them. Marks is accused of keeping and using the money and valuables provided by her clients for her and her family’s own personal use and economic benefit. They say in a fewe cases, Marks returned some money upon threat of legal action.
The investigation was conducted by United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and Albemarle Police Department.
