Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Jenkintown Police Chief Thomas M. Scott announced today the arrests of Gina Marie Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Jenkintown, on numerous felonies for theft of over $600,000 from two victims through a fortune-telling scheme in which they claimed to be removing curses in exchange for payment.
According to the report, Montgomery County law enforcement learned of the thefts on December 24, 2024. According to the inquiry, the victim initially contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions,” situated at 475 Old York Road, for a psychic phone reading.
“Detectives found that Marks and Nicklas convinced the victim that she was plagued by a powerful curse preventing her from finding love and happiness and convinced her that a curse would destroy her marriage, business, and family if it wasn’t removed,” the District Attorney’s Office reported. “Over the course of 11 months—from Sept. 23, 2022, to Aug. 31, 2023—Marks and Nicklas demanded large sums of money and luxury items to ‘cleanse’ the curse, including jewelry, cash, clothing, concert tickets, and gift cards.”
Marks and Nicklas also explained to the victim that personal belongings were required to complete the ceremony and would be returned later. The stuff and money were not returned. In total, Marks and Nicklas took $595,959 from the first victim.
The inquiry also uncovered a second victim, who initially contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions” on June 10, 2023. An inquiry discovered that Marks instructed the victim to provide her with images and intimate data about her life throughout their sessions from June 2023 to February 2024. Marks began to want more personal photographs, as well as other unusual requests to fulfill rituals that would benefit her. Marks requested additional money and a Chanel pocketbook, warning the victim of reputational and personal consequences if her directions were not fulfilled. Marks stole at least $18,000 from his second victim.
Detectives retrieved financial records from Cash App, Zelle, and a credit union, which confirmed that monies from the victims were moved to Marks and Nicklas’ accounts.
“These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance, and hope, exploiting them for financial gain,” according to the district attorney. “They are now going to be held accountable for their actions.”
Nicklas and Marks were arrested on October 7 and charged with several offenses, including Corrupt Organizations, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property, and Fortune Telling. They were arraigned on October 7, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Jodi L. Griffis, who set Marks’ bond at 10% of $50,000 and Nicklas’ bail at 10% of $25,000. Both defendants made bond and were released.
Both defendants have a preliminary hearing planned for October 20.
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