Long Island Psychic Charged with Fraud
A self-identified psychic from Long Island has been charged with significant theft and fortunatelling—a minor misdemeanor in New York. Officials allege that he is involved in a scheme that defrauded individuals out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Hemmers Kumar Muneppa, 33, from Queens, was arrested at a bank in Hicksville. A bank employee detected suspicious activity when a woman was set to withdraw $42,000, following a prior loss of $20,000 for psychic services.
The woman, who remains unnamed, had her first costly reading just days earlier and sought additional services from Anjana Ji, located on South Broadway. Muneppa requested another $42,000 and escorted her to a nearby bank.
Fortunately, an alert bank employee recognized the signs of potential fraud, cautioning the woman and notifying the authorities.
Anjana Ji markets various psychic services, including astrology, “Evil Spell Removal,” and “Love Spell Casting,” according to its website.
Prosecutors claim that Muneppa was “deliberately and illegally engaged in a scheme to exploit victims by falsely portraying himself as a fortune teller capable of battling evil and dark spirits.”
Muneppa entered a not guilty plea during his court appearance on Friday and was released without bail but must wear an ankle monitor.
Fortunatelling charges are uncommon in Nassau County and throughout New York. State law stipulates that receiving payments for telling fortunes constitutes a crime unless it’s strictly for entertainment.
A Columbia law faculty review notes that prosecuting fortunatelling can be complex and often faces challenges based on First Amendment rights.
“It’s nearly impossible to demonstrate that fortune tellers who claim their actions are spiritual or religious don’t sincerely believe in their practice,” the article states.
Earlier this week, another psychic in New York City was arrested, accused of defrauding a victim of $50,000 over several years through bogus readings. Initially charged under similar laws, the amount of the claims was later reduced when 28-year-old Pamela Woofy was apprehended and faced charges of grand theft and fraud, as noted in court documents.
Officials are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to Muneppa or Anjana Ji to contact the 2nd squad of Nassau County Police at 516-573-6200 regarding these fraud charges.
