Woman arrested for scaring girl into stealing

[October 07, 2011]  PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say a Palmdale woman who claimed to be a psychic scared a 12-year-old girl into stealing $10,000 worth of family jewelry as payment to remove a curse.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that Jackeline Lopez was arrested last month on suspicion of extortion and detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying an additional suspect or victims.

Authorities say Lopez held psychic sessions in her garage, which was decorated with candles, chalk outlines, black cauldrons and replicas of human skulls.

Lopez allegedly told the girl she was cursed and horrible things would happen to her if the curse was not removed. Lopez said the curse could be lifted by paying a fee.

Authorities say the girl was scared into stealing the jewelry to pay Lopez and isn't considered a suspect.

[Associated Press]

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