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U.S. Attorney: Fake doctor pleads guilty in $1.3M romance scam

Defendant previously from Tallahassee
Guilty Plea
Posted at 5:27 PM, May 19, 2022
and last updated 2022-05-19 18:54:03-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A U.S. attorney says a Florida man has pleaded guilty to defrauding more than 30 women out of more than $1.3 million by pretending to be a doctor on online dating services.

U.S. attorney Jason Coody announced the plea Thursday.

Coody said 46-year-old Brian Brainard Wedgeworth used 10 different aliases as part of the scheme.

Court documents show Wedgeworth made promises to the women in order to con them into sending him money, jewelry and watches.

He pleaded guilty to 25 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 8.