Texas couple federally indicted for $2.5M 'curse cleansing' psychic-fraud scheme targeting grieving victims

Proceedings

1. Date in cited record · federal indictment

   U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington. Bridgette Doreen Evans, using the name Jolene Travis, and her partner Vinnie John Uwanawich, of Frisco, Texas, were indicted on conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud plus multiple counts of wire and mail fraud, for stealing at least $2.5 million from at least three victims between April 2021 and July 2024. Evans advertised psychic services on social media targeting people experiencing divorce, bereavement or isolation, telling them their money was cursed and the only remedy was to liquidate holdings and surrender gold coins or cash for her to 'cleanse.' Uwanawich managed bank accounts receiving the funds, sold the gold coins, and vouched for Evans with victims. Both made an initial federal court appearance in June 2026 in the Eastern District of Texas; each fraud/conspiracy count carries up to 20 years.

Documented coercion mechanisms

• claimed psychic ability to diagnose a curse on the victim's money/possessions
• instruction to liquidate assets and surrender cash/gold for 'cleansing'