WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Washington County woman accused of stealing money and human remains from 345 victims appeared in court today to ask for bond.
However, because of the "multi-state nature of the case," Judge Tommy Smith denied Destiny Magoon's request and ordered her to remain behind bars as her case moves forward.
Her defense lawyer, Hoganne Harrison-Walton, says they're going to appeal that decision.
"I was suspecting for her to get a bond," Harrison-Walton said. "She's a pillar in this community. She built a business that was meant to provide a keepsake to individuals to help memorialize their loved ones and she did that she's been doing this for years and she deserves a bond."
Magoon, 32, is charged with 12 felony counts of theft by deception after hundreds came forward claiming she and her small business profited from their grief.
According to authorities, "Romeo and Juliet Keepsakes" allegedly scammed over 340 people, mostly mothers.
Magoon's alleged victims are in 25 states. People have even come forward as far away as Canada and Australia saying Magoon scammed them.
The smallest amount she is accused of taking was $15.94, according to the sheriff's office; the most was about $1,500.
Prosecutors said Magoon has a criminal history in four states, including Kentucky and Colorado, she's wanted in Florida and has a previous failure to appear charge in Georgia.
"She has a kennel, she has huskies, so people purchase huskies from her, she does have chickens, and who doesn't need eggs, so she's also providing produce to the community so she is — was a business owner," Harrison-Walton said.
But no victims in Washington County came forward. However, the sheriff's office said there are at least seven victims in Georgia.
Three came to Magoon's bond hearing on Thursday, but only the lead investigator was called to the stand before the judge made his decision.
Magoon's lawyer argues that it's just one or two competing businesses that were "jealous" and "mad" about her client's success.
"Ms. Magoon's business was doing so well, and they were destined to sabotage her business so they went online and created a hate group," Magoon's lawyer said.
Trey Burgamy with the Washington County Sheriff's Office said he first received a call from Middle Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner about Magoon and her business this past February.
Since then, the victims he's gotten in touch with cite incidents that go as far back as July of 2021.
The latest victim he's heard from called him Wednesday night, before the bond hearing, around 10:30 p.m.
Prosecutors say they expect to take Magoon's case to a grand jury on July 16 for possible indictment.