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 related to the theft of more than $600,000 from two victims using a fortune telling scheme where they claimed to be removing curses in exchange for payment.
According to the report, Montgomery County law enforcement officials became aware of the thefts on December 24, 2024. An investigation found that the victim initially contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions,” located 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 DA said. “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 told the victim that personal belongings were needed to complete the ritual and would be returned later. The items and money were never returned. In total, Marks and Nicklas stole $595,959 from the first victim.
The investigation also located a second victim, who first contacted “Jenkintown Psychic Visions” on June 10, 2023. An investigation found that Marks instructed the victim to provide her with photos and personal details about the victim’s life during their sessions together, from June 2023 through February 2024. Marks began to request additional images that were increasingly personal, as well as made further unorthodox requests to satisfy rituals that would help her. Marks demanded more money and a Chanel purse, threatening the victim with reputational damage and personal repercussions if her instructions were not followed. In total, Marks stole at least $18,000 from the second victim.
Financial records obtained by detectives from Cash App, Zelle and a credit union confirmed that funds from the victims were transferred into accounts belonging to Marks and Nicklas.
“These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance and hope, exploiting them for financial gain,” said DA Steele. “They are now going to be held accountable for their actions.”
Nicklas and Marks were arrested October 7 and charged with multiple felonies, including Corrupt Organizations, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property, as well as Fortune Telling. They were arraigned on Oct. 7, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Jodi L. Griffis, who set Marks’ bail at 10 percent of $50,000, and Nicklas’ bail at 10 percent of $25,000. Both defendants posted bail and were released.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for both defendants on October 20.
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Photos: Montco DA