Las Vegas Woman Allegedly Drugged, Fleeced Older Men She Met on Dating Apps

Aurora Phelps, 43, has been charged with multiple counts of fraud, kidnapping, and identity theft, accused of luring men via dating sites, drugging them, and stealing their financial information.

The Allegations

Phelps allegedly met mainly older men via dating apps, arranged dates, and then drugged them, accessing their financial holdings online while they were unconscious or sedated. The federal officials said Phelps operated on both sides of the border, with residences in Las Vegas and Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Investigation

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada and the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office announced the charges from a 21-count superseding indictment at a news conference. According to the indictment, Phelps is accused of one count each of kidnapping resulting in death and kidnapping, as well as seven counts of wire fraud, three counts each of mail fraud and identity theft, and six counts of bank fraud.

The Victims

Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge, alleged that one victim was drugged, taken across the border in his wheelchair, and ultimately discovered dead in a Mexico City hotel room. Two other victims died shortly after their meetings with Phelps, while a fourth was sedated to the point of becoming comatose but survived. "We believe Aurora Phelps deliberately and methodically targeted older men to drug them and steal from them," Evans said.

The Scheme

Evans said Phelps took cars and accessed social security accounts and retirement plans as part of her alleged crimes from 2019 to late 2022. The total value of her scheme is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and could be more if additional victims are found. Phelps used the money to purchase luxury goods, among other things.

The Consequences

Phelps faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, if convicted. The FBI is working to extradite her from Mexico, where she is currently in custody. Mexican authorities are investigating Phelps in cooperation with the FBI.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of online safety and the need for caution when meeting strangers online. It also underscores the devastating impact of financial fraud and exploitation.

FAQs

• What is the alleged scheme?
  Aurora Phelps is accused of luring men via dating apps, drugging them, and stealing their financial information.
• How many victims are there?
  There are 11 total victims, with four composing the basis of the federal indictment.
• What is the total value of the scheme?
  The total value of her scheme is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• What is Phelps’ current status?
  Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico, where she is being investigated by Mexican authorities in cooperation with the FBI.
• What is the maximum sentence if convicted?
  Phelps faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.