Jones Tyler Martin, Romance Scam Scheme, Wilmington NC, 2023

Two defendants, JONES TYLER MARTIN and HAILEY TYKOSKI, are facing federal charges in a calculated scheme that preyed on young enlisted Marines through fake online identities. A five-count indictment unsealed in Wilmington, North Carolina, charges the pair with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting. The plot stretched from 2013 to May 2015, exploiting the trust and emotions of service members for financial gain.

According to the indictment, MARTIN masterminded the creation of fraudulent female personas on internet dating sites, targeting Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. These fake profiles lured victims into emotional online relationships—romantic connections built on deception. As the bonds deepened, so did the fraud: victims were coaxed into revealing personal identification and financial details, believing they were sharing them with real women they loved.

TYKOSKI stepped in to bring the scam to life, using the false identities to speak with Marines over the phone and even meet some in person. Her involvement added a chilling layer of realism to the ruse, making the deception harder to detect. Together, MARTIN and TYKOSKI used the stolen information to execute wire transfers and obtain credit in the victims’ names—emptying accounts and damaging credit histories across military communities.

The scheme unraveled through a focused investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Field Office Carolinas, based out of Camp Lejeune. Agents traced digital footprints, phone records, and financial transactions that linked both defendants to the fraud. The operation spanned multiple states, reflecting the mobile and elusive nature of the accused.

Both defendants are now in custody. TYKOSKI was apprehended in Michigan and is set for an initial appearance on November 29, 2016, in Wilmington, North Carolina. MARTIN was arrested in New Mexico and appeared in court today in Albuquerque. If convicted, each faces up to 30 years in prison on the conspiracy and wire fraud counts, plus a mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence on each count of aggravated identity theft.

The charges against JONES TYLER MARTIN and HAILEY TYKOSKI are merely accusations under federal law. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case highlights the vulnerability of service members to cyber-enabled fraud and the lengths criminals will go to exploit human connection for profit.