Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Jenkintown Police Chief Thomas M. Scott have announced the arrests of Gina Marie Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Jenkintown, for their alleged involvement in a fortune-telling scheme that defrauded two victims of more than $600,000. The pair are accused of falsely claiming to remove curses in exchange for large sums of money and luxury items.
The Montgomery County Detective Bureau launched an investigation on December 24, 2024, after learning of the thefts. Investigators determined that one victim first contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions,” located at 475 Old York Road, for a psychic phone reading. Marks and Nicklas allegedly convinced the victim that she was under a powerful curse blocking her from love and happiness, and that failure to remove the curse would destroy her marriage, business, and family.
Over an 11-month period—from September 23, 2022, to August 31, 2023—the defendants allegedly demanded large payments and luxury goods, including jewelry, clothing, concert tickets, cash, and gift cards, claiming they were necessary to “cleanse” the curse. They also requested personal belongings, promising their return after the ritual, but never did. In total, Marks and Nicklas are accused of stealing $595,959 from the first victim.
The investigation later uncovered a second victim, who contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions” on June 10, 2023. Marks allegedly instructed this victim to share personal photos and life details during sessions from June 2023 through February 2024. Over time, Marks’ demands escalated, requesting increasingly intimate images, money, and even a Chanel purse. She allegedly threatened the victim with reputational and personal harm if her instructions were not followed. Investigators estimate Marks stole at least $18,000 from this second victim.
Detectives obtained financial records from Cash App, Zelle, and a credit union, which confirmed that funds from both victims were transferred into accounts belonging to Marks and Nicklas.
“These defendants preyed on people seeking help, guidance, and hope, manipulating them for financial gain,” said District Attorney Steele. “They will now be held accountable for their actions.”
Marks and Nicklas were arrested on October 7, 2025, and charged with multiple felonies, 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 the same day before Magisterial District Judge Jodi L. Griffis, who set bail at 10% of $50,000 for Marks and 10% of $25,000 for Nicklas. Both defendants posted bail and were released.
A preliminary hearing for both defendants is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on October 20, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge R. Emmett Madden. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christian Taffe.
