Phoenix Man Swindles Date, Faces Criminal Charges

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Curtis Lavell Britton of Phoenix was sentenced to 60 days in the workhouse for swindling a 29-year old woman from Minneapolis out of almost $24,000 after hooking-up with her on an online dating site. This is in addition to a five-year probation period that will convert to a 17-month prison sentence should he break further laws during that time.

Britton reportedly told the Minnesota woman that his mother was dying of cancer and he needed money to pay for her funeral and to send her body back to Trinidad once she died. In actuality, his mother had died back in 1985.

When arrested, Britton had several outstanding warrants in the state of Iowa associated with bad checks and the complaint stated that in addition to the current criminal charges, Britton has a sizeable history of convictions for an assortment of crimes, including felony aggravated battery, first-degree attempted aggravated robbery, and misdemeanor false impersonation.

New allegations were also raised against 34-year-old Britton during his sentencing appearance of asking a Phoenix woman – just two days previously – to buy him a ticket to Illinois so he could attend his mother’s funeral, as well as attempting to swindle a third woman, both of whom he had met through online dating.

In addition to pleading guilty in the Minnesota woman’s case, Britton offered to present an apology on MTV’s reality TV program, “Catfish: The TV Show.” Britton is a TV-appearance veteran, having been on the “Judge Judy” program back in 2008 when being sued by another online dating acquaintance for not repaying money which she claimed to have been a loan.

Judge Edward S. Wilson wasn’t impressed with the apology idea, convicted Britton of felony theft by swindle and ordered him to stay off social media and dating sites, find a full-time job and report to the Ramsey County workhouse on May 27.

When facing charges of theft crimes, every defendant is deemed to be innocent until proven guilty but wise counsel by an experienced criminal defense attorney is imperative.

Should you or someone you care about find themselves in need of legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a consultation. We’re ready to help.