Somerset Man Scams $500K From Elderly Online 'Romantic' Partners, Police Say

SOMERSET, NJ — A Somerset man is among four to be charged in connection with a series of romance scams that stole millions from the elderly, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

William Kwabena Goeh, 47, of Somerset; Nana Yaw Marfo, 37, of Virginia; and Shannon Braxton, 45, and Chevon Braxton, 42, both of Maryland, are each charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy.

Goeh and the others would meet people online throughout the United States, many of whom were elderly, who thought they were interested in a romantic relationship, said authorities.

The victims sent thousands of dollars to accounts controlled by Goeh, Marfo, the Braxtons, and others, believing the money was being sent for the benefit of their online romantic interest, said authorities.

Goeh and Marfo opened up business bank accounts in the names of various entities to conceal the romance scam fraud proceeds. Goeh received at least $530,000; Marfo received at least $4.7 million; Shannon Braxton received at least $500,000; and Chevon Braxton received at least $1.3 million. These accounts were used to launder the money received by the victims, said authorities.

The Braxtons withdrew a large portion of the fraud proceeds as cash, while Goeh and Marfo wired thousands of dollars overseas, including to accounts in China, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Singapore, and Mauritius, said authorities.

Goeh was arrested Wednesday morning in New Jersey, had his initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III, and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

Marfo was arrested this morning in Virginia and had his initial appearance Wednesday before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan Davis in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Braxtons were both arrested Wednesday in Maryland and are scheduled to have their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms in the District of Maryland.

The money laundering conspiracy charge has a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved in the transfer, whichever is greater.

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