BANGOR, Maine – Let’s begin by noting that this story, does not appear to be about our community and then take a serious turn. Once again, the story impacts our community by how it is framed and the actions taken by the alleged perpetrator of these scams.
Marianne Smyth has been found guilty of grand theft, asserting that her family excluded her from an inheritance. She now confronts extradition to Northern Ireland for distinct allegations of fraud and theft. Smyth is currently being held in a Maine jail, awaiting a hearing to determine her extradition to the United Kingdom regarding a scam dating back over 15 years in Northern Ireland.
Smyth, 54, is an American. She was born in Bangor, Maine.
She stands accused of embezzling over $170,000 from at least five victims between 2008 and 2010 in Northern Ireland, where, as per legal documents, arrest warrants were issued for her in 2021, as per legal documents.
Johnathan Walton was one of Smyth’s alleged victims, allegedly fleeced of US$100,000 and Smyth was convicted of stealing US$63,000 from him. Walton is a reality television producer whose credits include “Shark Tank: and American Ninja Warrior.”
Walton started a podcast in 2021 called “Queen of the Con,” to warn others about Smyth. “She’s a master of disguise completely changing her appearance and her grift to suit each mark,” Walton said. He noted that Smyth always dressed in designer clothes, and she needed the money to post bail and for a frozen bank account.
Walton also added that Smyth told him she was waiting for her inheritance from her wealthy family in Ireland whom she had been battling and was now awaiting a sum of about US$ 7 million (€ 5 million).
In an interview with the Associated Press, Walton said that Smyth bought him expensive dinners and luxury vacations during the time they grew close to each other while living in Los Angeles. Her story fell apart when Smyth was arrested and later convicted with jail time, for stealing US$200,000 from a job at a luxury travel agency.
Image by Marine 69-71 CC BY-SA 4.0
But there’s more, Walton has received tips about Smyth’s activities and has been documenting them. These tips detailed Smyth’s activities in a fictitious charity purportedly for Ukraine, along with other fabrications that she served as an envoy for Satan, that she is a witch, a hockey coach, a cancer patient. She also claimed to be best friends with Jennifer Aniston while also frequently altering both her name and appearance.
Heather Sladinski was reportedly scammed of $20,000 for “psychic readings, fake life coach sessions and cult-like retreats that included rituals, breathing exercises and yoga.” Sladinski said that Smyth was also prepared to do a ritual involving a chicken on behalf of Sladinski so she could get back her boyfriend, who, it so happens also had also secured a restraining order against her.
Sladinski said that Smyth was witty, clever and, the story notes, “had credentials and other documents to back up her claims.” Smyth even allegedly stole her daughter’s identity to rent an apartment in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Smyth registered a business in Maine called Satan’s Eye of the Storm LLC, incorporated in Kennebunk.
Maine Bureau of Corporation – Ratan’s Eye of the Storm registry
Under then LuciaBelia via her website, she writes:
My name is Lucia Belia. I am an Emissary of Satan, a practitioner of Black Magic, a psychic with Clairsentient, Claircognitive, Clairtangient, Clairvoyant, and channeling gifts. I practice many forms of Magick however the majority of my magic is Demonic Magick. For me, Demonick Magick is the strongest, most powerful magick there is. It is also the most satisfying, internal and personal Magick out there. I am a member of the Left Hand Path and follow Satanism. Pathworking, using Sigils and the Ars Goetia is extremely satisfying
She appears to have a second website, luciabelia.com.
She also wrote a book called Eastern Star Rising: How Satan’s Eye of the Storm Was Created. On Amazon, she writes she is a “certified INLP Hypnotherapist and practicing life coach. She works with clients through shadow work.”
The book describes “LuciaBelia’s journey of healing from past trauma and mastering the Left-Hand Path. She accomplished this feat through hard work and 18 hour days of focus, determination and working with Magick as an extension of herself relentlessly using her 30 years of experience with Right Hand Path and energy healing. The path to ascension includes self-initiation, self-deification, and shadow work. It is a long, arduous journey.”
She also appears to have an Etsy shop, a YouTube Channel, and another on Tiktok as well as Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn. She offers readings, rituals for hire, and a range of spiritual and alternative psychotherapy services.
Lucia Belia/Smyth book via Amazon
On Etsy, Smyth as LuciaBelia responded to an accusation:
Apparently another practitioner felt it necessary to badmouth me on their social media. I find that most unfortunate, especially since I was open and sincere with them about my felony conviction with them in March and was told by them it was not an issue, until May, when the work stopped for them. We all have pasts. I disclosed my conviction on my website, in January, when I launched. I do not agree with it, but I served my time with dignity and moved on and do not judge others, and appreciate integrity and honesty. I am a firm believer in the path, the work we do with the Demonic forces and confronting shadows and the healing work from within. Anyone coming to my shop is treated with respect and their past is not an issue for me. I do my work, and show my proof and my work stands for itself. I work strongly with Santa Muerte, The Demons and Spirits that come to me, and I owe no one an explanation. If my past and the things said about me are an issue for you, then I am not the right practitioner for you and I wish you well. I will not comment on the things said about me because you cannot defend yourself from lies and scandal. What you do is do your work, follow your path and move forward with integrity, authenticity and purpose. I choose my battles and I refuse to fight ignorance, it lowers you to their standards and stunts your ascension.
Smyth was apprehended by U.S. Marshalls last month in Bingham, Maine on February 23, 2024. She was denied bail on March 24, 2024. Her extradition hearing is set for April 17. She faces up to 80 years in jail in Northern Ireland.
The story has been picked up by media worldwide meaning that Smyth may have more victims she is not even aware of.
On her website, Smyth writes:
Is Demonick Magick Dangerous?
No It is powerful but not Dangerous. Working with Demons is a Left Hand Path work and is different than Pagan or Wiccan Philosophy but it is not dangerous.
Walton said. “People like Marianne have wrecked people’s lives, and I am really hopeful she’s going to see justice.”
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