Post by Scumhunter on Jun 20, 2015 8:22:26 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: amw.com archives)
Alleged con woman woman Ester LeClair was aired on the August 5th, 2006 episode of America's Most Wanted. Below is the archive description of the case:
Cancer Victim Faces Another Tragedy
Peggy Ellwanger was at the lowest part of her life in fall of 2005. Her father had just passed away and she had been diagnosed with cancer in its terminal stages. It seemed like things couldn't get any worse. And then she found out that a woman who she considered a friend allegedly stole every cent she had.
Peggy and Ester LeClair had been introduced by a mutual acquaintance when Peggy told friends that she was looking to hire someone to remodel her house. LeClair had been working on several homes in the Fairfield, Ct. area, organizing the remodeling and team of designers.
It wasn't long before LeClair had charmed Peggy into being becoming friends and hiring her for more work. Although Peggy added more jobs to LeClair's roster, none of the changes were completed.
Soon after Peggy and her family left their home so LeClair could start construction, Peggy found out she was terminally ill with cancer. When Peggy told LeClair about her illness, LeClair said that she had cancer too and that was why her 21-year-old daughter was helping with the remodel. In fact, LeClair's daughter had befriended Peggy's 22-year old daughter, and had become a regular at the new Ellwanger household.
When Peggy went back to her home to check on the changes, she was in for the surprise of her life. Her house looked exactly the same and cops say LeClair had lied to her the whole time.
"She lied about everything. The permits, the licenses, the designs. Everything," said Peggy.
Trail of Trickery
When cops started investigating, they uncovered six warrants for LeClair regarding similar scams.
Because of her connections within the Brazilian community in New England, LeClair was able to use architects and interior designers from her native Brazil. Authorities think she also scammed them too. One of the women who worked for LeClair tried to confront her about the scams when she found out. Allegedly, LeClair withheld the woman's pay and beat her up to keep her quiet.
Law enforcement also discovered that she had lied about her certificates and licenses. It turned out that LeClair did have a Home Improvement Contractor license, but it was paid for with a fraudulent check.
Picking Up The Pieces
"I am devastated. I have loans on loans, on money I don't even have anymore, " Peggy said.
Now at the most painful time of her life, Peggy is struggling with a terminal illness, the death of her father and the aftermath of a scam that has taken away every dollar she has.
"I have to work a second job now. My youngest daughter is asking why we don't have money for things anymore. It's just disgusting what this woman has done to us."
Thoughts? I am assuming LeClair is still at large since I couldn't find any court cases in the CT search system.
In any case, fugitives like LeClair and Spiro Germenis, who allegedly take advantage of those who are the most vulnerable are among the worst of the worst of con artists. Unfortunately, the archive no longer works to list her current height, age, etc. but we do know she is from Brazil. But considering LeClair conned people over there as well, would she want to risk going back there?
web.archive.org/web/20060818204750/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=39696
Admin Note #1: Based on wanted location listed in AMW archive, our advice for anyone with information on Ester LeClair's whereabouts would be to contact the Bridgeport (Connecticut) Police Department: www.bridgeportct.gov/police
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
