Aggregated News
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The owner of a Modesto surrogate agency accused of a $2 million fraud scheme was sentenced in federal court Monday morning. Tonya Collins, 37, was sentenced to prison on four counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud more than 50 clients located throughout the country.
The prosecution argued Collins financially and emotionally preyed on couples' attempts to have children and those who wanted to help.
Collins refused to answer any questions as she walked out of the federal courthouse in downtown Fresno -- her family by her side. The 37-year-old was sentenced to 5 years, 3 months in federal prison for her involvement in a $2 million surrogacy scam. "It's just not fair that one person can rob that from so many. That just breaks my heart," said Beth Mardones of Chicago.
Mardones was one of those who fell victim. More than $20,000 she and her husband placed in an account through Collins' surrogate agency, SurroGenesis USA, disappeared. "Devastated. I thought this just couldn't be right because we had signed a contract...
The prosecution argued Collins financially and emotionally preyed on couples' attempts to have children and those who wanted to help.
Collins refused to answer any questions as she walked out of the federal courthouse in downtown Fresno -- her family by her side. The 37-year-old was sentenced to 5 years, 3 months in federal prison for her involvement in a $2 million surrogacy scam. "It's just not fair that one person can rob that from so many. That just breaks my heart," said Beth Mardones of Chicago.
Mardones was one of those who fell victim. More than $20,000 she and her husband placed in an account through Collins' surrogate agency, SurroGenesis USA, disappeared. "Devastated. I thought this just couldn't be right because we had signed a contract...
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