Nationwide scam exploits sentimental keepsakes, leaving hundreds distressed, some in Ohio

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - People from across the country, including Ohio, have fallen victim to an alleged scam.

These people would mail the suspect items like ashes from a passed loved one, breast milk, or the hair from their children's first haircut, then expect those items to be put into pieces of jewelry.

But many would send their cherished items and never get the items in jewelry sent back.

Destiny Magoon is facing 12 counts of felony theft by deception. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Georgia estimated that there were more than 200 victims from 25 states.

Some who were able to complete their transactions are now left questioning if the items they got are even theirs.

"There’s that looming wonder of is this even mine," said Sydney Bedel, who ordered her jewelry from Romeo and Juliet Keepsakes in April 2023.

Bedel ordered earrings, a necklace and rings. For the first few months, all seemed well. Until recently, when she noticed dozens of people posting about not receiving the items they paid for. Then she started to question if these irreplaceable items she sent were the ones she got back.

"I don’t wear them. It just feels very wrong to wear something that I entrusted someone to make using that is very personal to me," said Bedel.

But for many other victims of the alleged scam, the personal items still have not been returned.

Erica High is one of those victims who never received the breast milk or the hair from her five children's first haircuts back.

She placed an order with Romeo and Juliet Keepsakes in October 2023, her order totaled more than $200. She waited for weeks, and then those weeks turned into months, and no ring ever came in the mail.

"She didn’t just take our money, she took valuables. Things that can’t be replaced," said High.

This alleged fraud was not limited to just a few people, there were nearly 800 members in a Facebook group who have posted similar experiences, from lost breast milk, hair, and umbilical cords. And for others who were hoping to create a memorial for a lost loved one with their ashes.

"I just hope that she can realize how much trauma she’s caused," said High.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who believes they have been a victim of the scam to contact them.