Long Island Psychic Arrested for Scam Diverts Senior Citizen of Tens of Thousands

A self-proclaimed psychic operating on Long Island has been taken into custody following allegations of financial fraud against an elderly woman. The 33-year-old suspect, Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, was arrested at a Hicksville bank after employees intervened during a suspicious withdrawal attempt.

The victim, whose identity remains private, had already lost $20,000 to the psychic and returned for more services at a local establishment called Anjana Ji. Muneppa allegedly demanded an additional $42,000, driving her to a bank to withdraw the money under false pretenses. According to authorities, the woman was attempting to provide funds for psychic services when staff alerted police, suspecting a scam.

Prosecutors stated that Muneppa falsely claimed to possess supernatural powers capable of fighting evil spirits, and duped the victim into handing over her savings through deception. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was released without bail but is required to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of his release.

In New York, charges related to fortune-telling are rarely prosecuted due to legal complexities and constitutional debates over First Amendment protections. The law stipulates that any paid fortune-telling services must be purely for entertainment, and violating this can constitute a crime.

Earlier this week, another individual accused of similar schemes, Pamela Ufie, was charged with grand larceny and fraud after allegedly defrauding someone of $50,000 over several years. However, her initial fortune-telling-related charges were dropped.

Authorities urge anyone who may have been targeted or victimized by Muneppa or Anjana Ji to contact the Nassau County Police Second Squad at 516-573-6200.