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FraudTech Dedicated To Beating The Cons At Their Own Game
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Court decides gypsy thief's future December 14, 2004, Australia EVEN by the standards of a serial thief, stealing treasures from an elderly woman who thought her fortune was being told was a low act. For her part in the gypsy scam, Mona Salamon, 63, was yesterday handed a two-year suspended jail sentence for disposing of stolen goods. The Sydney District Court heard that 84-year-old Betty Edmiston was talking with a neighbour when she was approached outside her Oatley home by a stranger who said that she wished to use the toilet. Afterwards, the woman asked to see the palm of Mrs Edmiston's hand. The phony fortune teller predicted a "long life and good health", then asked her unwitting victim if she had charms to seal her fate. Mrs Edmiston produced a 50 piece, along with her eternity ring and engagement ring, which the woman wrapped up in a handkerchief and then placed under a mattress. She then told Mrs Edmiston to "leave them there for two hours for luck," - but the treasures were instead stolen and later pawned by Salamon. Salamon yesterday pleaded guilty to selling the rings for $1090 to the Rockdale Trading Centre, where she signed a form in which she stated that the property was her own. The court was told that Salamon had a long history of dishonesty, with her last conviction being in 1990 for colluding with her daughter, an employee of retail chain Target, to "[take] possession of a number of items that weren't scanned". In 1974, Salamon was placed on a four-year bond after being convicted at Waverley Local Court on 83 charges of using her husband's credit card, despite knowing that he would not be able to make the repayments. And Salamon subsequently breached that bond with another stealing offence in 1976. "She [Salamon] accepts that she should cease dealing in jewellery, so to speak," defence barrister Angus Webb said. Salamon, of Revesby, arrived at court yesterday breathing with assistance from a small machine and tubes feeding up her nose. District Court chief judge Reg Blanch QC imposed a two-year suspended sentence on Salamon, with an 18-month non-parole period, to be served in custody if she offended again. "This type of offence as committed by the person who stole the rings is prevalent in the area [and involves] preying on vulnerable members of the community," Justice Blanch said, referring to Crown submissions on the theft on July 29, 2003. Salamon was also ordered to compensate the pawnbroker, while Mrs Edmiston's rings will be returned to her. Senior Constable Lucas Altamura, who headed up the investigation, warned older residents of Bankstown and Hurstville to be mindful of any approaches from strangers. It is understood that police are investigating up to 30 similar incidents, in which property was stolen after the offender tricked his or her way into a home. Trade of tricks MONA Salamon's past: * 1957-1973: Numerous offences relating to stealing and dishonesty * 1974: 83 charges relating to use of her husband's credit card while knowing that he was unable to meet financial obligations. Convicted at Waverley Local Court and placed on a four-year recognisance bond * 1976: Salamon breached her bond after committing another stealing offence * 1990: Charged with her daughter, an employee of retailer Target, with taking possession of goods from the store that were not scanned. She was convicted at Campsie Local Court of stealing and placed on a two-year bond * 2004: Charged with pawning two rings stolen from an elderly woman tricked after believing her fortune was told. Convicted and placed on a two-year suspended sentence
Related story at the Daily Telegraph
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