According to the US Department of Justice report, Runner amassed around US$175 million (or 836 million reais) from his victims, by courier posing as well-known Italian clairvoyant Maria Duval, promising large returns financial.
“All you have to do to see your life change is take the hand of friendship we extend to you,” was an excerpt from one of the letters sent by Runner.
Authorities have confirmed that the real Maria Duval, an Italian actress famous for her psychic abilities in the 1970s and 1980s, was not linked to the hoax. None of the letters were sent or received by her.
Last Friday, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of New York found Runner guilty of 14 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and related crimes. Runner was sentenced to 20 years in prison on each count, for a total sentence of 280 years.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Beer evangelist. Incurable coffeeaholic. Internet expert.”
