Eugene Robert LeClear, a 52-year-old resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, has been indicted for allegedly defrauding a woman he met online, according to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld.

Court documents reveal that LeClear initiated an online relationship with the victim in 2022. He reportedly requested money from her, claiming he needed funds for medical expenses and bail in a criminal case, among other false pretenses. LeClear pledged to reimburse the victim, falsely stating he had access to millions of dollars from gambling winnings and prior criminal activity. The victim ultimately lost about $96,000 in the scheme.

“Romance scammers are expert manipulators who develop relationships that feel very real,” said Ihlenfeld. “Victims are understandably reluctant to come forward because they are embarrassed, but we hope they still will so that action can be taken to prevent others from being harmed.”

LeClear faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the five counts of wire fraud with which he has been charged. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information regarding LeClear is encouraged to contact the FBI via email at wvfraud@fbi.gov.