SANDERSVILLE, Ga. — A Sandersville woman accused of scamming hundreds in a scheme involving turning human remains into sentimental trinkets was denied bond during a hearing on Thursday.
More than 200 victims from around the U.S. have come forward claiming they were scammed by 32-year-old Destiny Magoon.
During the hearing, prosecutors said Magoon has a criminal history in four states, including a previous failure to appear in Georgia.
Her only ties to Washington County are her husband and the rest of her family lives out of state.
Prosecutors say Magoon scammed at least 345 people across 25 states and in two other countries.
In February, Mjr. Trey Burgamy with the Washington County Sheriff's Office says he received a call from Middle Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner about Magoon and her business, Romeo and Juliette Keepsakes.
Hundreds of women sent in ashes of loved ones, hair from baby's first hair curls and breastmilk with hopes of the items being turned into DNA keepsakes like jewelry, rings, necklaces and breastmilk bears. It's made with the mother's breastmilk and mixed with a clear resin and molded into objects like a bear.
13WMAZ spoke to three women who say they were scammed by Magoon. They all have yet to receive their order, and they don't think they ever will.
In a public Facebook group, more than 500 women have expressed their concerns claiming they were also scammed by Magoon. They claimed they lost ashes and more. Burgamy said he didn't expect this to happen in Washington County.
"It went viral. I started out with one victim and within a week I was up to around 21, 22 victims. And as of right now, I'm well over 200 victims," Burgamy said.
Burgamy told 13WMAZ, that the smallest amount Magoon took was $22 and the highest was almost $1,500. Abby Hertz told 13WMAZ she sent the large amount for gold jewelry pieces with hopes of passing them down to her children.
"She wronged so many women, especially the women that send in ashes, that is what really gets me," Burgamy said.
In May, the sheriff's office conducted a search warrant at Magoon's home.
Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran said they found things like ashes, breastmilk and hair that they believe were part of Magoon's business.
When Magoon was arrested, she told investigators she didn't do it. Cochran says customers are angry.
"That's the last little bit. They may have of a loved one that they've lost, and when they don't have that and you've taken that from them, that hits hard," Cochran said.
Magoon is facing 12 felony counts of theft by deception.