Romance Fraud Case Alleges $1.5 Million Taken From Elderly Woman

Prosecutors Say the Relationship Came Before the Money

Federal prosecutors have charged Troy Clinton Van Sickle with stealing more than $1.5 million from an elderly woman after allegedly cultivating a romantic relationship with her. The case is still pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

According to the indictment and court records, Van Sickle portrayed himself as a trustworthy and successful businessman while concealing a lengthy criminal history. Prosecutors say the apparent relationship created the confidence he needed to gain access to the woman’s finances.

Van Sickle worked as a janitor at a San Diego County preschool at the time described by prosecutors.

Twenty Transfers Allegedly Followed the Courtship

Federal authorities say Van Sickle told the woman he was experiencing financial hardship and needed money for business deals and investment opportunities.

Between 2022 and 2023, she allegedly sent him about 20 transfers totaling more than $1.5 million. Prosecutors say none of that money has been repaid.

The government also alleges that Van Sickle took steps to obstruct the federal investigation, leading to additional charges beyond the alleged wire fraud and money laundering.

Investigators have said there may be other victims and have asked people who gave Van Sickle substantial sums of money to contact the FBI.

The Charges Cover More Than One Type of Conduct

The federal case includes wire fraud and money laundering charges as well as counts involving allegedly false documents or statements and falsification of a record in a federal investigation.

Those are accusations contained in the criminal case, not findings of guilt. Van Sickle is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove the charges or he enters a guilty plea.

That legal distinction is especially important in a romance-fraud case because the prosecution must establish not merely that money changed hands, but that the relationship and representations were part of an intentional scheme to defraud.

The Alleged Scheme Depended on Trust Built Over Time

The central mechanism described by prosecutors is gradual rather than immediate. The government says a relationship was established first, followed by requests for money framed as help with business or financial problems.

That sequence is common to many relationship-based fraud allegations: the financial request becomes more persuasive because it comes after emotional trust has been built.

In this case, the amount eventually exceeded $1.5 million. The criminal process will determine whether prosecutors can prove that the relationship was deliberately used as the vehicle for obtaining the money.

Until then, the case remains at the charge stage, with the indictment laying out the government’s version and the defense entitled to challenge it in court.

References: U.S. Department of Justice - Ten-Time Convicted Scammer Charged in New $1.5 Million Romance Fraud | IRS Criminal Investigation - Romance Fraud Targeting Elderly Woman

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