Romance Scam Suspect Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison
In a shocking case of deception, Cedric Wormely, 59, of Birmingham, Alabama, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his involvement in a multi-year romance fraud scheme that targeted women in Vermont and elsewhere. On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier handed down the sentence, which will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
Wormely’s crimes date back to when he would meet women through online dating platforms, falsely presenting himself as a man living in New England who had worked for a shipping company for decades. He would promise his victims a shared future together and convince them to send him money, which he would then use to fund his own lavish lifestyle. The 59-year-old spent a significant portion of the fraudulently obtained funds gambling at various casinos around Robinsonville, Mississippi.
According to court records, Wormely’s victims suffered substantial emotional and financial harm as a result of his crimes. The United States Secret Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Berlin, Vermont, Police Department. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the efforts of the investigative team.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra prosecuted the case, with Wormely represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Samuel Ansell and Steve Barth. The court also imposed restitution of $151,432.19 for the victims of the offense. In addition to the romance fraud charges, Wormely was also sentenced to 14 months in prison for violating his conditions of supervised release, which were imposed after his convictions in the Northern District of Alabama for drug trafficking and counterfeiting offenses.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online dating and the importance of being cautious when meeting strangers through the internet. Wormely’s crimes are a testament to the devastating consequences of romance scams and the need for victims to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Defendant: Cedric Wormely
Criminal Charges: Two counts of wire fraud
City and State: Rutland, Vermont
Date: April 28, 2026
Sentence: 30 months’ imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
Restitution: $151,432.19
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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