An American woman recently arrested in Mexico City is facing prosecution in the United States on multiple federal charges, including identity theft, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud and kidnapping resulting in death.
She is reportedly being held in a Jalisco prison for criminal proceedings related to crimes committed in Mexico, while U.S. authorities, through the FBI’s Las Vegas office, are seeking her extradition to face justice in the United States.
The suspect, identified by the FBI as 43-year-old Aurora Phelps, used various aliases, including Aurora Flores, Aurora Velasco and Aurora Alvarez, to lure her victims, primarily elderly men, through social networks and apps. After setting up meetings and gaining the victims’ trust, she allegedly drugged them with sedatives, allowing her to steal personal information and gain access to their bank accounts, Social Security numbers, and retirement funds. She is also accused of stealing cars and other valuables. Additionally, she allegedly sold more than three million dollars’ worth of shares from a technology company that belonged to one of her victims.
Phelps is suspected of running a series of romantic scams between 2019 and 2022, some of which may have led to at least three deaths. So far, six cases have reportedly occurred in Jalisco, including four in Guadalajara, one in Chapala, and another in Ajijic.
Spencer Evans, lead FBI investigator for the Las Vegas division, held a press conference on February 21 to encourage potential victims, loved ones, or friends who may have information relevant to the investigation to come forward. For full details and to access the related victim reporting form, search online for the phrase “Seeking information on the Aurora Phelps investigation.”