San Bernardino County, CA, May 22, 2013 – In December 2012, a grand theft investigation began involving Cindy Uwanawich, after a woman filed a complaint. The victim alleged that Uwanawich, who was operating an unlicensed Psychic business in Crestline, told her during a psychic reading that a negative spirit was attached to her from a previous life, and was affecting the personal safety and professional lives of her and her family members. The victim said Uwanawich claimed she could get rid of the spirit if the victim gave her nine pennies, nine nickels, nine dimes, nine quarters, and $9,000 for a period of nine days. After the nine days, Uwanawich claimed she would return the money to the victim after the nine days, but never did.
During the investigation, Uwanawich was arrested for Grand Theft and Embezzlement. When the case was publicized, seven additional victims came forward to report additional crimes of Grand Theft associated with Cindy Uwanawich and her husband Nick Uwanawich. The total losses to all eight victims were more than $238,000.
The thefts occurred during readings at locations that included the businesses known as “The Psychic Door” in Crestline and formerly Idyllwild and “The San Bernardino Psychic” in San Bernardino, as well as high-end hotels and Uwanawich’s residences in Crestline and San Bernardino.
On May 20, 2013, Cindy and Nick Uwanawich attemtped to operate another unlicensed psychic business in Yucaipa, and were subsequently arrested for felony Grand Theft warrants related to the investigations. They were booked into the Central Detention Center with a bail amount of $500,000 each.
Anyone who may have been a victim of theft, or has additional information regarding this investigation should contact Detective Thies at (909) 336-0600.
