Cudahy woman scams friends, neighbors out of thousands

CUDAHY (WITI) -- A 35-year-old Cudahy woman is facing charges after scamming several of her neighbors out of money by lying about her family's medical and financial problems.

Nicole Leer used sob stories including a husband with cancer, a dead child, and huge medical bills to con neighbors on S. Packard Ave. out of nearly $50,000 over several months.

"I didn't think that people like that existed in our little community," said neighbor Nicole Synowicz. "It's awful to hear that there are people who take advantage of that kind of kindness."

According to a criminal complaint, Leer told her neighbors that her husband was "dying of throat cancer and she needed money to pay for his medications." She also told an 85-year-old neighbor that "her husband died and she needed money for his funeral."

Leer also told neighbors her teenage daughter died in a motorcycle accident. At one point she had her 12-year-old son call a friend's mom and got thousands of dollars in return.

"People need to know about her and what happened. She's not a victim at all," said Sarah Becker, who was scammed by Leer. "I cut ties with her. I haven't talked to her or seen her."

Although not named in the criminal complaint, Becker now calls herself a victim. Leer's former friend says she put up $400 to help pay for Leer's mortgage.

"She said 'you'll have it back tomorrow morning.' I never got it back," said Becker.

Leer is charged with two felony fraud counts and two misdemeanor thefts. Becker believes there may still be other victims out there.

"I really hope she gets what she deserves for it and goes to jail for it. I know these people will never get their money back," said Becker.

The criminal complaint says Leer was arrested by police after a recorded conversation between her and her elderly neighbor. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

If convicted, Leer faces more than 20 years in jail.